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LAGOS STATE, Nigeria — The Rights Enforcement and Public Law Centre (REPLACE) has again visited Lagos Ajah Ultra-Modern market to sensitize the community and market women about the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Lagos State.
The campaign awakeness which took place at Ajah, Lagos had market women, social workers, and REPLACE staff engaging traders on their legal rights and the provisions of the ACJL.
The campaign, among other things aimed to empower citizens, particularly women, with knowledge about their rights under the ACJL.
Speaking at the event, Felicitas Aigbogun-Brai, the Executive Director of REPLACE, who expressed satisfaction with the impact of the campaign said described the various campaign so far as successful.
She said, “It’s been highly successful, and many people have embraced our message. However, we encountered challenges, particularly from men who hold misconceptions about the law, such as the belief that bail requires payment or that police brutality is acceptable. We took time to engage these individuals and correct these misunderstandings.”
She added that the sensitization effort is expected to result in increased reports of police misconduct to institutions such as the Legal Aid Council and the National Human Rights Commission.
“We hope more people will now assert their rights and seek legal redress when necessary,” she said.
"ACJL was implemented in 2015 and amended in 2021, but so many people have little or no knowledge about the law. Even lawyers may know about the law but there are certain provisions of the law which are specific about the rights of women and the rights of vulnerable ordinary people in the state which necessitate this advocacy campaign.
"We want those at the grassroot to understand this law as it affects their legal rights and in turn know how to liase with the enforcement agencies in the state.
"Knowing your rights helps you make better choices if you have a legal issue or are involved with the police or court.
"One of the provisions, for example, says that a woman can stand as surety for bail in the police station. We know that in practice, a lot of people have complained that women cannot stand as surety. So this law specifically in section 118, allow women to stand as surety for bail. This means that women can now help bail someone out of police custody, not just men.”
Market women at the campaign hailed the initiative as crucial step in the right direction to promote justice for women in places of abuse.
The Secretary of the Ajah Market, Paul Ogunyemi, speaking on behalf of the market executives commended REPLACE moves as key towards educating women about their rights.
“This programme is a great opportunity for market women to learn about the law. We will ensure the information is widely shared, and the phone numbers provided are well-utilized. Lagos State is doing a commendable job in amplifying the voices of women, ” Ogunyemi said.
He also expressed support for the law’s stance on individual accountability, emphasizing that no innocent person should be arrested in place of another.
A victim of police misconduct, Uche Emmanuel recounted his experience of unlawfully arrest and detention for knowing someone indicted of a crime.
He said, “If I had known my rights then and the provisions of the law that stated that, the law enforcement agencies cannot arrest someone in lieu, my family wouldn’t have paid bribes to secure my release."
A social worker with the Child Protection Network, Ayoola Gandonu, hailed the sensitization program, describing it as an eye-opener for many to be abreast with the provisions of ACJL.
Gandonu said, “Most people are unaware of their rights, but this outreach has changed that. Women now understand their legal standing and are better equipped to challenge injustices."
She recounted distressing stories from the campaign, including women being arrested for offenses committed by others or being denied the ability to post bail without a male guarantor. “These practices violate the law, and it’s gratifying to see women now empowered to challenge such abuses,” she added.
As the campaign wraps up, REPLACE remains optimistic about its long-term impact. With increased awareness about the ACJL, citizens are expected to challenge police misconduct and demand accountability. This marks a significant step toward fostering a more just and equitable society in Lagos State.
