FENRAD calls for public hearing, stakeholder engagement on Abia criminal justice bills

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has called on the Abia State House of Assembly to conduct public hearings and ensure broad stakeholder engagement on the proposed Abia State Criminal Bill 2026 (H.A.B. 1) and the Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2026 (H.A.B. 2), stressing that inclusive consultations are critical to effective justice sector reform.

FENRAD noted that the Abia State Criminal Law Bill 2026 (H.A.B 1) and the related Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2026 (H.A.B 2) have passed second reading and progressed to the committee stage.

According to the Executive Director, FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the stage of the legislative process is critical, as it allows for detailed examination, stakeholder input, and public participation before final passage into law.

These proposed bills have far-reaching implications for criminal justice administration, fundamental human rights, due process, and access to justice in Abia State.

FENRAD emphasized that any reform or enactment of criminal laws must comply with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly: Section 36, which guarantees the right to fair hearing.
Sections 34 and 35, which protect human dignity and personal liberty, and Section 17(2)(e), which mandates equality before the law.

Furthermore, Nigeria is a signatory to, and has domesticated, key international and regional human rights instruments, including: the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary.

These instruments impose binding obligations on all levels of government to ensure that criminal justice laws promote fair trial standards, protection against arbitrary arrest and detention, presumption of innocence, and access to legal representation.

FENRAD also recalls that the spirit of modern criminal justice reform in Nigeria, as reflected in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, emphasizes: Speedy dispensation of justice, Protection of the rights of suspects, defendants, and victims, Reduction of undue delays and abuse of police powers, and Promotion of transparency and accountability within the justice system.

In view of the above,
FENRAD strongly called on: The Abia State House of Assembly, especially the relevant committees, Public interest civil society organisations, Human rights lawyers, the Nigerian Bar Association, legal practitioners, and other key stakeholders to urgently demand and facilitate a comprehensive public hearing and town hall consultations across Abia State.

Such forums will enable citizens, experts, and interest groups to critically examine the provisions of the bills, make informed submissions, and ensure that the proposed laws conform to constitutional and human rights standards.

Public participation at this stage is essential to guarantee that the bills, when eventually passed, will:
Strengthen the rule of law, advance human rights protection, promote justice sector reform, and reflect the aspirations and lived realities of the people of Abia State.

FENRAD reaffirmed its commitment to civic engagement, legislative advocacy, and the promotion of democratic governance.

They remained willing to work collaboratively with lawmakers, stakeholders, and the media to ensure that Abia State’s criminal justice framework upholds justice, accountability, and respect for human rights.