The Kogi State Ministry of Justice has hosted a two-day seminar with the theme “Prospects and Challenges of the Kogi State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2017: Charting a Way Forward.” The event took place on Wednesday, 23rd July, and Thursday, 24th July 2025 at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Lokoja.
The seminar brought together key stakeholders in the justice sector, including judges, legal practitioners, security agencies, civil society organizations, and representatives of professional bodies.
The program opened with welcome remarks by the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Falilat Yusuf Musa, Esq, who described the seminar as a vital step in fortifying the state’s justice system.
In his keynote address, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, SAN, (Ably represented by the Director Gender-Based Violence S.E Atule, Esq). stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the Judiciary, the Police, and the Ministry of Justice to ensure seamless administration of criminal justice. He emphasized the ACJL’s potential to enhance efficiency, fairness, and the speedy dispensation of justice, while acknowledging existing gaps that require urgent attention.
Declaring the seminar open, the Chief Judge of Kogi State, Hon. Justice J.J. Majebi, commended the Ministry for fostering dialogue among key justice sector stakeholders.
The technical sessions were handled by seasoned facilitators, including:
- Hon. Justice A.S. Hussaini, Judge of the Kogi State High Court – Prospects and Challenges of the Kogi State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2017: Charting a Way Forward.
- Friday Okpanachi Ekpa, Law Lecturer, Prince Audu University, Anyigba – The Role of the Kogi State ACJL, 2017 in the Speedy Dispensation of Justice in Kogi State.
- Hon. Justice O.R. Haruna, Judge of the Kogi State High Court – Scrutinizing the Constitutionality of Remand Order Proceedings under the Kogi State ACJL, 2017: Legal Issues
- A.W. Zakari, PhD, Director of Civil Litigation – Obtaining Extra-Judicial Statements of Suspects viz-a-viz their Rights under the ACJL, 2017 and the Constitution.
- Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, SAN, Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice – Understanding the Provisions Relating to Plea Bargaining under the Kogi State ACJL, 2017. (Delivered by A.V. Olorunfemi, Esq).
The program also featured four engaging panel discussions, each moderated by respected figures from the Kogi State High Court — Hon. Justice O.R. Haruna, Hon. Justice Fola Ajayi, Hon. Justice Gwatana — as well as the Deputy Director, Directorate of Civil Litigations, Oyetunji E. Ojuokaiye, Esq. Across the sessions, panelists included I.A. Idama, Esq. (DPP), G.O. Otowu, Esq. (O/C Legal, Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State), S.S. Owoyomi, Esq., and Magistrate A.N. Idakwoji, who provided practical insights and shared perspectives on the application and challenges of the ACJL in Kogi State.
Discussions explored both successes recorded under the ACJL and areas requiring reform, with a particular focus on standardizing plea bargaining and ensuring compliance with human rights standards.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Muizudeen Yunus Abdullahi, SAN, thanked Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering backing of the Ministry of Justice and his drive to advance justice delivery in Kogi State. He further commended the Governor’s dedication to championing policies that uphold the rule of law and expand access to justice for every citizen.
The seminar concluded with the adoption of a communiqué outlining actionable steps to improve ACJL implementation. Participants left with renewed commitment and strategies to overcome challenges, marking a significant step toward a more efficient, fair, and people-centered criminal justice system in Kogi State.
