The Federal Government, FG, says the deployment of virtual court sitting technology in Correctional facilities would aid speedy dispensation of Justice and decongestion of custodial centres in the country.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, stated this during the launch of pilot project for the deployment and use of Virtual Court sitting facilities and jail delivery at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
He said the project would eliminate the issue of difficulties in conveying the inmates to court and also ensure safety of inmates and law enforcement officers.
“This initiative will in no small measure help boost the economy by ensuring that funds meant for the movement of the inmates would be channelled to other essential areas of needs in the Correctional Centres, and assist the country to meet up with global best practice in terms of the Administration of the Criminal Justice,”
According to the AGF, the virtual court would end disruptions by making it possible for evidence of suspects in custody to be taken without their physical presence in court, adding that it would equally guarantee the safety of suspects and prison officials.
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Mr. Malami stated that the system would equally ensure speedy dispensation of trials in line with section 36(4) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which provides that every person shall be entitled to fair hearing within a reasonable time.
“We are no longer constrained by mobility, space and time in the justice delivery on account of accommodation of the virtual court sitting facilities and deployment of incidental technology.
In a remark, the Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola advocated the inclusion of terminal dates in the administration of justice act for quick dispensation of justice.
The project which was funded by the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, with support from the government of Japan, was aimed at supporting an inclusive and multi-sectoral response to COVID-19 and addressing its socio- economic impact in the administration of justice.
Immediately after the launch of the project, the Presidential Committee on Correctional Reforms and Decongestion in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, effected the release of fifteen inmates with minor offences with an option of fine.
