Independent ACJL State Level Monitoring Committee, Benue State

Independent ACJL State Level Monitoring Committee, Benue State Monitoring and promoting effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law to ensure accountability and justice across Benue State.

THE INDEPENDENT ACJL STATE LEVEL MONITORING COMMITTEE, BENUE STATE ; A MOVING FORCE.Following after the Visit to the Mak...
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.

THE INDEPENDENT ACJL STATE LEVEL MONITORING COMMITTEE, BENUE STATE VISITS THE MAXIMUM CUSTODIAL CENTRE FOR NEEDS ASSESSM...
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.

Welcome to the official page of the Independent ACJL State Level Monitoring Committee,Benue State.The Committee was setu...
02/03/2026

Welcome to the official page of the Independent ACJL State Level Monitoring Committee,Benue State.
The Committee was setup by Cleen Foundation with funding support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy and it's primary aim is to ensure the effective, transparent, and uniform implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in Benue State, by monitoring compliance, identifying gaps, and promoting accountability across all criminal justice institutions.

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No 5 Sam Orun Street Off Modern Market Road
Makurdi

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