Jethro Ibileke/Benin
Edo judiciary is struggling to cope with new forms of sophisticated form of crimes and criminality, which it is not prepared for Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, said on Wednesday in Benin while inaugurating State’s Justice Sector Reform Committee.
Represented by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Henry Idahagbon, the Governor disclosed that the team would focus on systemic and all-round reform of the Justice Sector for better delivery.
He noted that presenting public confidence in the Justice sector was quite low due because the sector had been bogged down by problems, many of which he said had never been attended to.
“The problems militating against the development of the sector are many and diverse. This has been further compounded by the emergence of new and sophisticated forms of crime and criminality which the legal and judicial system seems unprepared for.
“An example is the cyber crime with its varied forms which the system seems to be struggling to cope with,” Oshiomhole said.
He however said that the creation of the Criminal courts by state Chief judge, Justice Cromwell Idahosa was another major effort which has helped clearing the huge backlog of criminal cases, but added that more still needed to be done.
“We gave fiat to private legal practitioners to prosecute criminal cases and also assigned criminals cases to private lawyers which we paid for to ensure a smooth operation of the criminal justice system
“We are continuing to partner with major stakeholders in the Justice Sector, there is no doubt that even though we have done much, lots need to be done,” Oshiomhole said.
The Governor who tasked urged members of the Committee to “work hand in hand with similar committees in the other states for the purpose of cross pollination of ideas.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Cromwell Idahosa, disclosed that the State is the number 23 out of 36 states of the federation to inaugurate a committee for Justice Sector reform.
The Committee comprises of representatives of the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, Court administration staff, the legal profession and law enforcement agencies.
Other members are from Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, Civil Society Organisations and the media.