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Tag: CLEEN foundation

  • Group seeks more funding for criminal justice

    Group seeks more funding for criminal justice

    CLEEN Foundation yesterday decried the low budgetary allocation for the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), calling on the federation units, particularly states to be intentional towards ensuring effective justice processes.

    The non-profit organisation stated this at a media dialogue on the need for increased budgetary allocation for the ACJL  in Lagos.

    According to the group, the need for the interface with the media was borne out of a study in eight states- Bauchi, Jigawa, Delta, Cross, River, Edo, Kwara, Sokoto and Katsina- which showed little or no efforts towards tackling issues affecting the effective implementation of the criminal justice law.

    It noted that while 35 states allocated over N245 billion to establishing local guards, purchase of weapons and uniforms in this year’s budget, no state put in effort to ensure functionality of the criminal justice system.

    It described the situation as a big deficit on the part of the states, noting that it could be assumed that they were starving the criminal justice system of funds to continue to wield political influence on the judiciary.

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    Acting Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, urged the media to continue to spotlight issues that were hampering the ACJA, noting that power the media wields in driving reforms.

    He later noted that one of the challenges with the ACJA was that people were trying to implement the law without knowing it.

    “So if they have not seen it, meaning they are not ready to see it. So I see a lot of work for the media to focus on…

    “So, I  want to urge the media to continue to work on citizens’ knowledge building.

    “The issue of budgeting in Nigeria is that people put money where they think there is something for them. When it comes to issues that really affect the society and bring about a social change, the duty bearers don’t put a lot of money in these things.

    “They want to put money in construction of bridges and roads which they will inaugurate for people to see they are working.

    “So, you have the monuments, but the people’s lives are not secure. The people’s lives don’t have any social change, and then there is also this problem that people now react and begin to take law into their hands, like what we’ve seen happen in Uromi, Edo State,” he said.

    Maduoma decried the plea bargaining practice recognised by the criminal justice system, stating that it had been bastardised and a chesspit of corruption, extortion and miscarriage of justice.

    On the research, CLEEN Foundation’s Programme Director, Dr. Salaudeen Hashim, said adequate funding of the ACJL implementation would accelerate judicial processes, reduce backlog, and ensure that litigations were not unduly prolonged by intermediate appeals.

    “The question that again comes to mind is: why, therefore, is the state very much afraid to adequately resource the implementation of the ACJL?

    “I think it is actually a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul, and that is something that we believe requires some level of media interrogation to know why this is the case. At the national level we saw very clearly that the 2024 budget provided only a paltry sum of N73 million for the implementation of ACJL, and we think that is not very correct. When you are setting aside over a billion naira for the renovation of offices.

    “So, one of the things we have also discovered very clearly is that state level and across board, people rather put money into capital projects that they know has some element of back door, in terms of what they get out of it, rather than putting it in programmes that reforms the entire system and this in itself calls for a serious concern.

    “I believe it is very important that we raise some of these observations for state. As a matter of fact, in some states we noticed very clearly that the setting up of the Administrative Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee that should actually monitor compliance of all the criminal justice actors within the value chain are entirely missing. Some states don’t even have them set up.

    “For states where you have them set up, they are not being operated. For some states where you have them being operated, some of them don’t even know where their offices are, and some of them don’t even know what their rules should look like. And we think this is a very big issue that we should put some element of spotlight around in terms of the adequacy of funding for purposes of promoting judicial activism…

    “So, what we see in most cases is that the deficit in the implementation and the functionality of this law has actually put justice up for sale, and this in itself is one very key gap that we have actually seen. “So, it therefore means that one of the reasons why the entire independence of the judiciary has become very difficult is because people have some level of weapon, which is actually funding. They regulate funding into that sector just to be able to limit the level of independence for control to continue to advance, and we think it is important for us to put that on the table.

    “There are also deficits in infrastructure for efficient dispensation of justice…”

     Hashim said despite provisions for modernalised interrogation rooms by the ACJL, only Katsina State has met that requirement at the Police headquarters.

  • Foundation demands effective implementation of Police reforms

    Foundation demands effective implementation of Police reforms

    Lack of political will is a stumbling block to the  implementation of the nation’s policing system, the CLEEN Foundation has said.

    It  said despite numerous attempts by various administrations, progress remains stagnant.

     Successive governments have struggled to effectively implement key recommendations from presidential committees aimed at improving the justice system.

    While some legislative advancements have occurred since 2015—such as the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Police Trust Fund Act—the perceived lack of political will continues to hinder substantial change.

     In response to these challenges, CLEEN Foundation, a non-governmental organisation focused on public safety, security, and accessible justice, organised a two-day Citizens’ Engagement workshop under its MacArthur Foundation project.

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     The event, which took place across several states in the Southsouth and Northwest regions, including Cross River, Delta, Edo, Katsina, Jigawa, and Sokoto, aimed to foster collaboration between citizens and justice sector actors.

     CLEEN Foundation’s Programme Director, Mr. Salaudeen Hashim, discussed the initiative’s goals: to strengthen the policing system and align it more closely with the needs of ordinary Nigerians.

     He stressed the importance of addressing the prevailing perception that justice and security are often dictated by regime security rather than the genuine human security needs of citizens.

     Mr. Hashim outlined the workshop’s objectives, which included creating a platform for stakeholders to reflect on the importance of citizen engagement in policing reforms and assessing how accountable justice actors are in implementing Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Regime.

     The event facilitated discussions on emerging issues and led to actionable recommendations aimed at improving collaboration between citizens and security agencies.

     The workshop revealed several critical challenges faced by the police, including inadequate equipment, insufficient training, and a significant lack of public trust.

     Mr. Hashim noted that enhancing oversight and strengthening the entire policing system are essential to safeguarding citizens and restoring public confidence.

     He emphasized that the success of these reforms hinges on political will, operational efficiency, and support from various stakeholders.

     Addressing the challenges of public trust, Mr. Hashim pointed out that the gap between strategic-level officers and the officers on the ground complicates the reform process. He underscored the importance of involving citizens in the policing infrastructure, asserting that the system must reflect the community’s values and address existing gaps.

     Another significant finding from the workshop was the gender bias embedded in some policing laws. For example, Nigerian Police Force Orders prohibit unmarried women from enlisting, while no similar restrictions exist for men.

     Additionally, the Armed Forces Act allows for women’s inclusion, but their representation remains disproportionately low.

    These discriminatory provisions highlight the urgent need for legal reviews to ensure gender parity and responsiveness to contemporary policing needs.

     On the topic of political interference, Mr. Hashim asserted that genuine reform requires robust political support. While there appears to be some backing at the national level, challenges persist at sub-national levels, which can impede progress.

     He expressed hope that local governments would align their visions with national efforts to create a cohesive approach to policing reforms.

     The research conducted by the CLEEN Foundation indicates that Nigerians desire a modern policing system that respects human rights and fosters trust within communities. Citizens seek a police force that is protective and proactive rather than punitive and suspicious.

     Addressing the broader context of insecurity, Mr. Hashim emphasized the interdependence of security and economic stability.

     He stated that without addressing issues of economic disenfranchisement and poverty, the rise of criminality will likely continue.

     He argued that improving economic conditions could reduce insecurity by as much as 50%, fostering a safer environment for all

  • Foundation lists findings on stakeholders’ compliance with Act

    Foundation lists findings on stakeholders’ compliance with Act

    Cleen Foundation, under leadership of Executive Director, Gad Peter, has assessed stakeholders’ adherence to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in Edo, Kwara, Bauchi, Sokoto, Delta, Katsina, Jigawa, and Cross River.

    The analysis tailored to evaluate compliance levels among law enforcement agencies, judiciary, lawyers, and civil society, underscores the role of ACJA in the effort to reform the legal framework.

    Enacted in 2015 with varying adoption dates by states, ACJA will enhance efficiency, transparency, and fairness of proceedings to safeguard rights of defendants and victims.

    As an organisation committed to transparency, accountability, and rule of law, CLEEN called on  stakeholders to intensify efforts towards full compliance with ACJA.

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    Emphasising the imperative activation and funding of Administration of Criminal Justice Committees in states, the foundation highlights the need to address budgetary challenges hindering implementation of key provisions in the Act.

    The assessment sheds light on challenges facing law agencies, particularly concerning delays in charging suspects to court within 24 hours.

    Issues ranging from bail procedures to deficiencies in interrogation and search protocols underscore the urgency for reform and commend exemplary efforts by authorities championing adherence to ACJA provisions.

    Despite their pivotal role in ensuring compliance with the ACJA, the assessment reveals gaps in legal practitioners’ awareness and adherence to the Act’s provisions during legal proceedings.

    Calls are made for closer collaboration between the Bar and Bench to facilitate smoother implementation and ensure adequate access to justice for citizens.

    Concerns surrounding trial delays, case backlog, and infrastructural inadequacies within Nigerian courts highlight the pressing need for reforms aimed at bolstering efficiency and equity in trial proceedings.

    While acknowledging positive strides in states like Borno, the assessment underscores the imperative for wider adoption of ACJA-inspired practices to promote fairness and expedite judicial processes.

    The assessment underscores challenges facing prison authorities, including overcrowding and substandard living conditions within Nigerian correctional facilities.

    Instances of budgetary allocations favoring canine facilities over humane conditions underscore the urgency for reforms aimed at upholding human dignity and ensuring equitable treatment of inmates.

    Looking ahead, the CLEEN Foundation reaffirms its unwavering commitment to monitoring, advocacy, and championing reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

    Emphasizing the need for collaborative stakeholder efforts and regular training on ACJA provisions, the Foundation underscores the pivotal role of monitoring mechanisms in assessing compliance levels and addressing instances of non-compliance promptly.

    In recognition of the invaluable contributions of stakeholders and civil society observatories, the Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing the collective endeavor required to foster a transparent, efficient, and rights-respecting criminal justice system that serves the interests of all Nigerians.

  • CLEEN foundation scores security high on Osun poll

    Civil rights group CLEEN Foundation on Saturday described as commendable, the conduct of security operatives deployed for the governorship elections in Osun State.

    The group which said it deployed over 90 observers in collaboration with the Police Service Commission (PSC) across the 30 local government areas (LGAs) of the state, noted that most of the security agents were professional, courteous and early on their duty posts.

    According to a preliminary report signed by Executive Director Dr. Benson Olugbuo, security pass mark was in spite of a few shortcomings observed.

    He said: “More than 90 election observers were deployed across the 30 LGAs to ensure a balanced reportage and adherence to good practices expected of security agencies on election duty. This preliminary statement covers the period between the opening of polling units and the conclusion of voting.

    “Reports from the field indicates that most polling units opened on time. Security personnel and INEC officials also arrived early.

    “From the preliminary assessment received from our stationary and roving observers, it was noted that there was an adequate deployment of security personnel during the election.

    “Most polling units had an average of four security personnel comprising police officers and other security agencies. Security personnel were stationed at strategic locations in the state.

    “Security personnel largely conducted themselves in a commendable manner. They exhibited professional conduct in maintaining law and order, were civil and approachable, assisting the elderly and vulnerable in exercising their franchise.

    “However, there were reports of complicity and over-zealousness of security agents in a few polling units. Specifically, some security agents prevented observers from using electronic devices at the polling units, incidents of inducement and leaving their duty post at critical moments were also observed.”

    On the group’s general observation, Olugbuo said there were cases of card reader malfunctioning which slowed down the election in some places, adding that the machines were replaced with back-ups.

    “There were reported cases of missing names on the voter register. This was recorded at Iwo and Orolu LGAs; our observers reported early arrival of INEC officials and security personnel. Polling units were also set up on time.

    “CLEEN Foundation observers witnessed early turnout of voters across the 30 LGAs in the state; Inter-agency collaboration and cooperation of security agencies was observed during the election.

    “There was active participation of international and domestic observers; incidents of vote buying was reported.

    “It was noted that early deployment of sensitive materials aided timely opening of polling units and commencement of accreditation and voting.”

  • EFCC secures 340 convictions in six months

    EFCC secures 340 convictions in six months

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday  said it had secured 340 convictions and recovered billions of dollars  in  stolen funds within  the last six months.

    EFCC Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, represented by the commission’s  Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Adegboyega, said this in Abuja at the launch of   law enforcement and public engagement project   in Nigeria.

    The CLEEN Foundation in collaboration with the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Office of the U.S.Embassy in Nigeria initiated  the project.

    Adegboyega,  who dismissed  the claim  that the EFCC  recorded only few convictions,  said  the commission  recorded more convictions than any  anti-graft agency  in the country.

    The secretary also said that the success  recorded by the commission was  hinged on the  outcomes from the courts, adding that  the responsibility of the commission was to investigate and charge suspects to court.

    “We do not have the control over the courts, we cannot tele-guide the courts; what happened  in the courts  is beyond the control of EFCC,” he said.

    While noting that the rate of corruption was on the rise,  he said the commission was committed to the task of tackling the menace.

    Adegboyega, who  said that the EFCC had a robust platform in conjunction with Interpol to track down corrupt persons, gave an assurance  that there would be no  safe haven for unscrupulous persons.

    He, however,  called for synergy among anti-graft agencies,  stressing that only this would guarantee success in the anti-corruption campaign.

    The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations, Joshak Habilla,  said that  law enforcement agencies  must  be accountable to the public.

    Habilla also urged the security agencies to  engage in activities that would eradicate   corruption in the country.

    He urged members of the  public  to hold police officers liable whenever they err.

    The representative of the  U.S. Embassy,  Aruna Amirthanayagam,  said that the goal of the project was to strengthen relations between criminal justice actors, anti-graft agencies  and citizens through effective communication.

    “This pilot project will focus on supporting the EFCC and the Nigeria Police Force to provide timely and relevant information to the public on their efforts to fight crime and corruption.

    “Over the past year, the U.S. Embassy has been working closely with civil society, Nigeria Police and the EFCC on various initiatives to enhance government transparency, improve security  and investigate and prosecute complex financial crimes.

    “This project supports those efforts by enhancing communication with the public and building trust with law enforcement organisations,” he said.

    The Executive Director of  CLEEN Foundation, Benson Olugbuo,  stressed the need to enhance public confidence in the criminal justice actors such as the police and EFCC.

    He advocated for a system that operates zero tolerance for corruption  while  promoting  open communication in  Nigeria’s law enforcement institutions.

    Olugbuo said this would help  reduce the potentials to partake in acts of  corruption and Nigeria’s socio-economic development would  be significantly improved.

  • NBA to FG:  Stop allowing looters enjoy part of loot

    NBA to FG:  Stop allowing looters enjoy part of loot

    The Nigeria Bar Association has urged the Federal Government to stop allowing looters of public fund to enjoy any part of the loot.

    It said the fight against corruption would remain a joke if looters were made to pay fine or part of the looted fund.

    Delivering a keynote address entitled “Evaluating the Current Anti-corruption Efforts of the Federal Government in Nigeria”, Edo State Chairman of NBA; Barrister Ede Asenoguan said there was no enforcement of stringent sanction against those who looted public funds.

    Asenoguan noted that corruption has been fostered in the country when those who looted public funds  pay a fragment of the huge sum of money stolen from government coffers and allowed to work on the streets freely without forfeiture and adequate sanctioning.

    He was speaking at a forum organized by CLEEN Foundation.

    His words, “I can assure you that over 80% of Nigerians, if given the chance, would prefer to steal N5b and pay the sum of N5m or to go to jail for six months or one year and later come out to enjoy the balance of the N5b.

    “The fight against corruption must not be centred on only the influential people in the country but should cut across board regardless of whoever that is involved.”

    Head, Public Relations, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, South-South zone, Mr. Oluwale Oladele, said the commission secured a total of 1,500 convictions between 2015-2016.

    Mr. Oluwale said the EFCC has proven that it is working and proactive owing to the number of persons it has prosecuted.

    He explained that the commission could only be more effective in its fight against corruption when Nigerians join hands to fight corruption by volunteering information to the body that can lead to the arrest and investigation of individuals.

    Project Manager of Budgit, Abayomi Akinbo, noted that the trust and confidence of Nigerians in the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari could only be restored if money recovered from looters are made known to the public.

  • Police faults report of NGO on Rivers re-run election

    Police faults report of NGO on Rivers re-run election

    The Police have faulted a report by a Non-Governmental Organisation, CLEEN Foundation on the rerun election held at the weekend in Rivers State.
     
    The Foundation in a report claimed that the election was marred by irregularities, large scale violence, professional misconduct and open bias by security operatives and electoral personnel.
     
    The police while condemning the report described the report as lurid, fraught with inaccuracies and lacking in substance.
     
    In a statement in Abuja on Tuesday by the Force Spokesman, Don Awunah, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris has also set up a high powered investigation team to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of one police officer, DSP Mohammed Alkali and others who are missing.
     
     According to the statement: “The report released by an NGO, CLEEN Foundation that the elections were ‘marred by irregularities, large scale violence, professional misconduct and open bias by security operatives and electoral personnel’ is in its entirety lurid, fraught with inaccuracies and lacking in substance.”
     
    “It is a disservice to the evolving Nigerian democracy and sacrifice of the security personnel for the CLEEN Foundation report to assert that, there were serious cases of electoral violence orchestrated by the Police, Army and DSS.
     
    “It is also saddening for the CLEEN Foundation report to attribute the death of a police officer, DSP Mohammed in the course of duty to what the report termed “unwarranted use of force and shooting.” It is a brazen display of insensitivity to the fallen officer and disrespect to the family.
     
    “Undoubtedly, there were some infractions of law in the course of the elections where the police and other security agencies rose to the occasion and ensured the electoral process prevailed accordingly”.
     
     The IGP has however assured Nigerians that the enthronement of credible electoral process remains one of his priorities.
     
    Assessing the election, the police said: “There is no doubt that some disgruntled elements in the state attempted to foist violence and insecurity on the populace that are generally peace loving. Comparatively, the re-run election was a huge success in contrast to past elections in the state that were usually characterized by violence and wanton destruction of lives and property.
     
    “The IGP master plan on election security will continue to be improved upon for future elections in the county. This master plan will usher in credible, fair, free and acceptable elections in accordance with the principles of democratic policing and international best practices”.

  • INEC declare readiness to conduct Edo polls

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Monday declared its readiness to conduct the September 10, 2016 Governorship election in Edo state.

    Professor Mohammad Kuna, special adviser to the Commission’s Chairman, stated this at a stakeholders meeting on public presentation of the security threat assessment for the Governorship election in Edo state, organised by CLEEN foundation in Benin City.

    He added that the commission has been well equipped in terms of human and capital resources to carry out the exercise adding that all stakeholders must be up and doing to ensure a violent free polls.

    “It is however important that the people must own the process of electoral system. It has been observed that whatever the modalities INEC have put non ground to coin duct a credible poll, the people must ensure that they behave in a civil manner to help democracy grow in the country.” He said

    Also Professor Mim Abutudu of the University of Benin, in his presentation stated that rigging and fear of electoral manipulation can be a high risk factor that could raise the level of violence and urged INEC to ensure that materials are deployed on time to the various polling units.

    Mr. Benson Olugbuo, executive director, CLEEN foundation explained that the foundation has as one of its cardinal objective to monitor and report the level of security threat to the conduct of elections in Nigeria.

    Other stakeholders agreed that the activities of security agencies including officials INEC must be checked to ensure that the process is violence free, credible and fair to all.