EFCC, ICPC Fault Proposed Amendments To ACJA

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission have rejected proposal in the ongoing amendment of Administration of Criminal Justice Act to submit case file of a matter to the Attorney-General of the Federation and exposing whistle blower.

The Senate, in the amendment of ACJA, had proposed that a case file must be submitted to the Attorney-General of the Federation by the agencies.

But, Chairman of EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa, kicked against the provision in the bill while appearing before the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters chaired by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele during public hearing on the bill to amend Administration of Criminal Justice Act and six other bills.

EFCC said the provision would constitute undue interference by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation who is a political appointee.

The EFCC in memorandum presented said, “This will constitute undue interference by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation who is also the Minister of Justice and a political appointee, in the work of the law enforcement agencies.”

The representative of ICPC chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owosanoye, also said the agency also supported all the positions of the EFCC in the amendment of the bill.

The anti-graft agencies also kicked against provision for the freezing of account under investigation for period of 14 days by ex parte order, saying the section is unnecessary as it would impede the activities of the investigation agencies and freezing of account containing proceed of crime.

In his opening remark, Bamidele said the bill sought to establish Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council as obtainable in other jurisdictions, similar to the Bureau of Justice in the United States of America and the London Criminal Justice Board.

He said, “The Bill also seeks to establish the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council as obtainable in other jurisdictions, similar to the Bureau of Justice in the United States of America and the London Criminal Justice Board.

“This is with a view to delivering a fair, efficient and effective criminal justice service in Nigeria and to improve outcomes, through active partnership.”

The Chairman also submitted that the entire memorandum submitted by the various stakeholders will be look at the critically before submitting the report before the Senate.

The Bill was sponsored by Senator Orji Kalu in December 2021 and forwarded to Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters.