Independent ACJL State Level Monitoring Committee, Benue State

13/04/2026

The Independent ACJL State Level Monitoring Committee , Benue State sympathizes with the entire CLEEN Foundation over the loss of a dear colleague and staff Mr Simeon Sunday who served as the Media and Communications Officer untill his demise.
We ask that may God console and give you all the strength to bear this loss.

May his soul rest in peace 🙏
Amen

31/03/2026

In a bid to present the findings of ACJL ISLMC Benue State on the needs assessment of inmates gathered from the two most effective correctional facilities in the state -the Makurdi Maximum security and Gboko Minimum Security correctional centers,ACJL ISLMC held a one day validation meeting @ Hall of Grace,Elohim Development Foundation,Benue State.
In attendance were CSOs, Media Practitioners and ISLMC members.

The ACJL ISLMC Chairman,Dr.Victoria Daaor Welcomed all participants present stating that,this meeting became necessary as a result of the data collated from the Prisons Visit which pose a huge demonstration of the efficacy of ACJL in Benue State.Inaugurated in October 2025,this committee has paid a lot of advocacy visits,to relevant stakeholders to seek synergy now we are presenting our collated data concerning administration of this law in the state to MDAs,Law makers as well as you the media and CSOs. She said,"CSOs play a critical role in providing psycho-social support for inmates /offenders while the media is very relevant in reporting all activities around ISLMC and administration of Criminal Justice in the state.
She said apart from the numerical data,there is every need to consider enhancing the correctional facilities convenience which pose some risk on the psychology of the inmates most of the prisons are too rough.
The welfare of Officers in charge of Correctional facilities should also be looked into as this will boast their motivation to work."
She concluded by saying that,the committee is committed to seeing that the Administration of Criminal Justice in Benue is Effective.

In a keynote address by the State Coordinator for CLEEN Foundation Mrs Magdalene Igbazua Said,"CLEEN Foundation is pleased to be working in Benue and with a wonderful team as the ACJL ISLMC,This project is carried out by CLEEN Foundation with funding from the Norwegian Embassy, set up in October 2025 ,to complement the efforts of the State ACJL monitoring committee,the efforts of this committee are laudable and have brought to fruition what we have today as a Validation meeting."She further appreciated the media and CSOs for coming out in numbers for this important event.

Barr.Awashima Addingi who presented findings of the committee said,"a lot of gaps exist in the administration of ACJL in Benue State,pointing out some of them to include;exceeding of trial and sentence period,Lack of legal representation for offenders as well as financial incapacitation to sustain legal representation for most of the offenders.68 of such perculiar cases of which 13 are female related were spotted in Makurdi facility and 28 in Gboko facility giving a total of 96 cases.She further mentioned that,For some of the cases,the validation meeting for 27th March had Legal aid council and NBA taking them on Probono grounds. So much more can be done as the lead from other MDAs have come.

Commenting on the report,Barr.Victor Eboh of Lawyers alert said,
"The State Committee on ACJL has a very strong network of decision makers cut across the ministries that encompass ACJL,the ISLMC can leverage on this strength through synergy to enhance the effective implement of ACJL in Benue State.
Questions and answers were also entertained.
Overall, the meeting was a sounding success.

31/03/2026

The Benue State Independent ACJL State Level Monitoring Committee (ISLMC), convened a Validation Meeting on Friday 27th March,2026 with key justice sector stakeholders to review findings from recent visits to the Maximum Custodial Centre, Makurdi and Medium Custodial Centre, Gboko.

The meeting brought together representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Legal Aid Council, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), National Human Rights Commission, correctional services, and civil society organizations to critically examine challenges within custodial centres and the broader justice system.

Key issues highlighted included prolonged detention of inmates, congestion in custodial facilities, lack of legal representation, and delays in justice delivery. Stakeholders acknowledged that these challenges require a collective and coordinated response across institutions.

The session was highly interactive, with stakeholders offering valuable insights and practical solutions. Notably, commitments were made to provide pro bono legal services, support vulnerable inmates (including those with mental health conditions), and strengthen collaboration to ensure speedy dispensation of justice.

This validation meeting marks an important step towards strengthening the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in Benue State and improving access to justice for all.

Together, we can build a justice system that is fair, efficient, and truly reformative.

30/03/2026

https://ephemeralnews.com.ng/2026/03/29/acjl-committee-rallies-stakeholders-for-speedy-dispensation-of-criminal-cases/

Spread the loveBy Dorathy Aninge The Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) High Level Monitoring Committee in Benue has rallied relevant justice stakeholders to enhance speedy dispensation of criminal cases pending in courts in the state. Dr Victoria Daaor, the committee’s chairman, said o...

27/03/2026

BENUE ACJL ISLMC PAYS ADVOCACY VISIT TO MINISTRY OF JUSTICE.

In a bid to expand the synergy and strengthen effective collaboration between ACJL ISLMC and relevant Stakeholders in State,the Committee on Wednesday 25th March,2026 paid an advocacy visit to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order Benue State.

The team was welcomed to the ministry and hosted by the representative of the Commissioner,Thomas Ese Esq - Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General of the Ministry and his team of Staff.

The Co-chair of ISLMC,Awashima Addingi Esq introduced the committee to the Ministry stating their mandate and areas of collaboration requirement.
She said,"November 2025 birthed ACJL ISLMC,an independent and voluntary committee meant to complement the efforts of the state Monitoring Committee and strengthen implementation of ACJL in the State.Since our inception,we have carried out a lot of activities including the needs assessment of inmates at the Benue Correctional Centers in Gboko and Makurdi which has yielded so much data being evaluated.
Data is a key component of our work and as such, we seek partnership with the ministry on data collation and dissemination,monitoring of ACJL cases and quick trials as well as availability of the ministry where necessary for activities of the Committee."
She further solicited the presence of the AG at the Committee /Stakeholders validation and findings presentation meeting slated for 27th March 2026 where findings from the Correctional centres will put forth.

In his response,Ese welcomed all present,he said,We are proud to have a team work around the ACJL implementation in the State,noting that,CSOs play a critical role in shapeing the society and bringing reforms on policies which CLEEN Foundation is well known for. CLEEN is also a good and solution driven friend to Benue State.
He further pledged the support and commitment of MOJ to all the necessary areas of collaboration required by ACJL ISLMC to succeed.
"We will avail you all the data you need when you need them feel free to reach out. The validation meeting is a good one for us the ministry therefore we will be glad to send a delegation to be a part of that meeting and bring words to us on your findings" he concluded.

24/03/2026

A good Tuesday morning like this deserves beautiful throwbacks ...

Thesee were the first visits of the Independent ACJL State Level Monitoring Committee, Benue State The committee interfaced with the office of the Commissioner of Police and the office of the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice and Public Order, Benue State.

The visits were aimed at introducing the then newly inaugurated committee to relevant justice stakeholders in the state to strengthen collaboration and synergy between the committee and the stakeholders to collectively working towards the proper implementation of the ACJL.
The committee was accompanied by facilitating staff of Cleen Foundation and it all ended with fruitful assurances and outcomes.

21/03/2026

The delegation of the Independent ACJL State Level Monitoring Committee, Benue State interfaces with the NBA Chairman Tena Yaji, Esq at the NBA Secretariat on Wednesday 18th March, 2026.
During the meeting, the committee outlined its objective of securing pro bono legal services for inmates who currently lack legal representation. The Chairman, who was already familiar with the committee’s mandate, expressed his full support and willingness to collaborate.
This visit was as a result of the Committe's ongoing efforts to avail inmates with legal representation .

21/03/2026

The Independent ACJL State Level Monitoring Committee,Benue State paid an advocacy visit to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday 18th March 2026 at 12 pm . The 3 persons delegation of the committee led by the Co Chairperson Awashima Addingi Esq was ushered into the venue by Desmond Jinge Esq a staff of the Commission who is also a member of the committee and was received by the State Coordinator National Human Rights Commission (NHRC),Benue State Daniel Entonu Esq .The Co-Chair introduced the purpose of the visit which was to present findings from the custodial centres assessments.
The committee highlighted critical concerns observed during the visits, particularly the prolonged detention of numerous inmates beyond reasonable periods, many of whom had not been granted bail or lacked access to legal representation. It was emphasized that these conditions raise significant human rights concerns, thereby necessitating the intervention of the NHRC, given its mandate to protect the rights of all individuals, including those in detention.
In response, the State Coordinator acknowledged that human rights are universal and applicable to all individuals, including persons in custody. He expressed strong interest in the committee’s findings and requested detailed data on the affected inmates. He assured the committee that upon receipt of such data, the Commission would engage relevant authorities to facilitate appropriate legal actions, including securing bail for eligible inmates and addressing unlawful or prolonged detentions.
Furthermore, he reiterated the Commission’s willingness to collaborate with the committee and assured members of continued support, emphasizing that his office remains accessible at all times.
The visit concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Committee Secretary Jeffery Asaar followed by exchange of contacts and group photographs.

07/03/2026

THE INDEPENDENT ACJL STATE LEVEL MONITORING COMMITTEE, BENUE STATE ; A MOVING FORCE.

Following after the Visit to the Makurdi Maximum Custodial Center, the Independent ACJL State Level Monitoring Committee, Benue State as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen access to justice and monitor the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in the state, paid another visit to the Medium Custodial Centre, Gboko on Thursday 5th March,2026.
The Committee departed Makurdi at about 7:30 am and arrived at the custodial centre at approximately 9:00 am, where members were received by the Officer in Charge of the facility, Ikya Moses Esq.
Following a brief introduction of the Committee by the Co-Chairperson Awashima Addingi Esq, the Officer in Charge warmly welcomed the team and facilitated the Committee’s engagement with the inmates. The Committee was first taken to meet the inmates, where the Co-Chairperson of the Committee introduced the members and explained the objectives and mandate of the Committee, particularly its role in strengthening access to justice and monitoring the implementation of the ACJL in the state.
During the exercise, inmates were separated into groups based on those with legal representation and those without legal representation, in order to enable the Committee focus on individuals who may require legal assistance.
The Committee first interacted with the male inmates, who were later assembled at the chapel of the facility for a more structured interface. The team then proceeded to the female section, where similar interactions were conducted and the data of female inmates without legal representation were documented.
In total, the Committee interfaced with 53 male inmates and 4 female inmates, gathering relevant information that will assist the Committee in identifying cases that may require legal support and intervention.
Upon completing the interactions with the inmates, the Committee returned to the office of the Officer in Charge where additional records(details of charges and warrants relating to the inmates who were interviewed) were requested for further clarifications to enable the committee identify focus areas.
During the meeting, the Officer in Charge also highlighted some key challenges facing the facility, particularly the poor condition of office equipment and infrastructure. He noted that several of the items currently in use have been in existence several years without replacement, underscoring the need for improved institutional and infrastructural support for the custodial centre.
At the end of the visit, the Committee presented relief materials for the inmates, including two cartons of Viva detergent and a carton of bathing soap.
The visit concluded with the exchange of contacts between the Committee and the custodial authorities to ensure continued collaboration and follow-up actions, after which group photographs were taken and the Committee departed the facility.
The Independent ACJL State Level Monitoring Committee,Benue State was setup by the CLEEN Foundation with funding support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy to function at it's best and it remains committed to promoting effective Administration of Criminal Justice in the state.

05/03/2026

THE INDEPENDENT ACJL STATE LEVEL MONITORING COMMITTEE, BENUE STATE VISITS THE MAXIMUM CUSTODIAL CENTRE FOR NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND DATA COLLECTION.
The Independent ACJL State Level Monitoring Committee, Benue State was set up by the Cleen Foundation with Funding from the Royal Norwegian Embassy with the main aim of monitoring the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in the state .
The Committee paid a courtesy visit to the Makurdi Maximum Custodial Centre yesterday 4th March, 2026 as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen access to justice and monitor the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in the state.
The Committee arrived at the facility at about 9:00 am and was warmly received by the administrative staff of the centre. The team was subsequently ushered into the office of the Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Makurdi Dzuzu Matthias, who officially welcomed the Committee and held a brief meeting with members of the committee.
During the interaction, the Deputy Controller highlighted several concerns, he noted that the ACJL is yet to be fully implemented in the state, citing several operational challenges which he therefore appealed to the Committee to support efforts that would help ensure the effective implementation of the law in the state. He also drew the Committee’s attention to the condition of the office facilities explaining that several of the items currently in use including furniture and basic equipments were personally provided by him because the items he met upon assumption of office were largely unusable. A situation he noted reflects the broader need for improved institutional support for the correctional facility.
Responding on behalf of the Committee, the Co-Chairperson, Awashsima Addingi, Esq appreciated the Deputy Controller for the engagement and assured him that the Committee is committed to its mandate. He further assured that the observations raised would be documented and presented to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.
Following the discussions, the Deputy Controller directed the Welfare Unit of the facility to assist the Committee in obtaining the information required for the needs assessment exercise. The Committee was subsequently taken to the hall where inmates were assembled for individual interactions and data collection.
The assessment focused particularly on inmates without legal representation, those granted bail but unable to meet bail conditions, and inmates sentenced to fines. The aim was to gather relevant information that would help the Committee facilitate legal support and other forms of assistance where necessary.
During the exercise, Mrs. Magdalene Andor, Director from the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Benue State headed the needs assessment for female inmates, focusing on issues relating to their welfare and specific support needs.
At the conclusion of the exercise,over 50 inmates data were collected which will help to facilitate legal support and other forms of support.
The Committee returned to the office of the Deputy Controller where relief materials were presented for the inmates, including a carton of bathing soap and two cartons of Viva detergent.
The visit ended with a renewed assurance from the Committee that it will take practical steps to follow up on the issues identified and continue working with relevant stakeholders to promote effective justice administration and improved welfare conditions within correctional facilities in Benue State.