President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally written to the Senate, seeking the repeal of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, and its replacement with a new Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2026.
The President said the proposed legislation is intended to modernise Nigeria’s criminal justice system by addressing gaps identified in the implementation of the 2015 Act over the past decade.
Among the key reforms contained in the bill are the abolition of the trial-within-trial procedure, the establishment of a National Sex Offenders Register, creation of a Witness Support Fund, expanded use of technology in criminal proceedings, improved case management by the courts, and stronger oversight powers for the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Council.
According to the Presidency, the new law is expected to accelerate the dispensation of justice, strengthen the protection of victims’ rights, improve coordination among law enforcement and judicial institutions, and enhance public confidence in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
The Senate is expected to commence consideration of the bill in the coming days as part of the legislative process.
