ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT, 2015
Act · Human Rights
Policy date: 2015-01-01
An Act reforms the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria by introducing measures for speedy trials and reducing pre-trial detention. It targets police, courts, accused persons, and correctional facilities. This seeks to make the system more efficient and protect rights.
ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE ACT, 2015
What Is This Policy?
A landmark legislation that overhauled Nigeria's criminal justice administration, introducing reforms to reduce pre-trial detention, eliminate jury trials, and ensure speedy prosecution of criminal cases in federal courts.
Who Does It Target?
Police and prosecution agencies Federal courts and magistrate courts Accused persons and criminal suspects Legal practitioners in criminal matters Prisons and correctional facilities
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Ensure speedy trials, reduce prison congestion from prolonged pre-trial detention, protect the rights of accused persons, and make the criminal justice system more efficient and humane.
Key Features
Accelerated Trial: Requires courts to adjourn cases to specific dates and complete trials without unnecessary delays. Arraignment Within 24 Hours: Requires suspects arrested without a warrant to be charged and arraigned within 24 hours or released on bail. Plea Bargaining: Formally introduces plea bargaining as a tool to resolve criminal cases efficiently. Community Service: Enables courts to impose community service as an alternative to custodial sentences for minor offences.
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active - adopted by many states as the Administration of Criminal Justice Law Coverage: Federal courts and FCT courts; serves as a model for state legislation Beneficiaries: Accused persons, crime victims, legal practitioners, and the justice system Funding: Federal judiciary and prosecution budgets
How to Access
Applies automatically to all criminal proceedings in federal courts Suspects must be informed of their rights upon arrest Application method: Automatic application to federal criminal proceedings.
Important Terms
Suspects must not be detained beyond 24 hours without charge in most cases Bail applications must be heard promptly Plea bargain agreements must be approved by the court
Impact & Metrics
Reduced pre-trial detention periods in federal courts; adoption by over 20 states of equivalent state legislation.
Official Resources
Website: https://www.justice.gov.ng Contact: Federal Ministry of Justice
Legal Framework
The Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 is the primary legislation governing criminal procedure in federal courts. It derives constitutional authority from Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (right to fair hearing). The Act aligns with the Police Act 2020, the Correctional Services Act 2019, and international standards including the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules), the UN Convention Against Torture, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.