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LAGOS STATE, Nigeria — Lagos Mile 12 market, Ketu, one of the largest market in West Africa, was bustling with activity as a group, Rights Enforcement and Public Law Centre (REPLACE) educate marketer and traders on their legal rights, and provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Lagos State.
The advocacy campaign which took place on Saturday attracted the attention of curious marketers and traders, desirous of knowledge and insight about the provisions of the law.
The campaign which was led by the Executive Director of REPLACE, Felicitas Aigbogun-Brai, was focused on educating women and the vulnerable population with knowledge of their legal rights.
Speaking to Rocketparrot News, Aigbogun-Brai who is also a Human Right Lawyer said, the full implementation of ACJL was pertinent to end an unfair justice system in the state.
She explained that the basis of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (AJCL), a law enacted to promote efficient and effective administration of justice, protect human rights and prevent abuse of power.
According to her, "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.
"The law prohibits treating women unfairly, whether at home, work, or in any legal matter.
"So we want people to know their rights as stated in the Administration of the Criminal Justice Law.," the Human Right lawyer added.
Speaking on the campaign, Aigbogun-Brai said, the awareness was part of a broader initiative under the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, funded by the European Union.
"The campaign seeks to reduce arbitrary arrests, empower women to stand as sureties, and educate Lagos residents on the ACJL, particularly its amendments."
She said the group was committed to education women and vulnerable people in the society about their legal rights to guide against abuse.
She said, "REPLACE has remained committed to addressing systemic issues within Nigeria’s criminal justice system as it continues to push for justice reform and equality, ensuring vulnerable groups are informed and protected.
"We are committed to providing leadership and expertise in the design and implementation of justice sector reforms and in the creation of avenues and opportunities for equal access to justice for all individuals and vulnerable groups in the society," she added.
The Executive Director therefore called on enforcement agencies to respect the rights of women and the vulnerable population in the state.
Earlier during the sensitization programme, a legal practitioner, Demilade Pearl, Esq. who shared the same sentiments as the executive director explained that “There is a popular notion that a woman cannot secure bail without involving a man. But that is not true. The law allows any adult who is fit and proper, regardless of gender, to act as a surety. It is about responsibility, not gender.
“This campaign ensures everyone understands their rights under the law, especially on issues like gender-based violence and child rights,” Pearl added.
Market women, key leaders speak
A market woman and leader of the Mile 12 Market Women Association, Mrs Adewole Kehinde commended REPLACE team for empowering them with the right knowledge to seek justice.
She said, “We have been living in darkness, not knowing about our rights. Today we have been enlightened and we will ensure as an association that the key message of the advocacy is share with others and demand justice when our rights are being violated."
Also, Mrs Anike Adegun, who sells tomatoes in the market, told journalists a situation where her child committed a crime at home but she was traced to the market and arrested.
“Sometimes it’s the father that gets arrested. Sometimes too when a husband is being looked for, they come to the market to arrest the wife, I now understand that according to the ACJL, I will not be arrested in lieu of some one elses crime”
She commended the group and it's advocacy stressing that , more law should be enacting to guide against domestic violence.
“There is something else that I want and it is the swift arrest of perpetrators of domestic and sexual violence. It hurts to see that so many of them go away with it,” she said.
For Mrs Hannah Adekoya, a potatoes seller, "the law is a welcome development to push us to stand for our rights."
She urged marketers to approach the police with the full knowledge of the law, adding that, “We need these laws in place to checkmate our activities. The Police are not as bad as the way they are being portrayed. Police are peace makers and as such; anybody can approach them,” she added.
General Secretary of the market, Mr Olanrewaju Onigemo, said the women now know their rights as stated in the ACJL.
He said, "The advocacy today is important and has allow people to know about their right. The sensitization is impactful and I know message will spread like wildfire."
At the advocacy campaign, market women and traders receive educational materials to further spread the message.
