In its continued effort to raise awareness about the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Lagos State, the Rights Enforcement and Public Law Centre (REPLACE) took its campaign to Iponri Market, Surulere, on Monday.
The initiative, supported by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, aims to empower women and vulnerable groups with knowledge of their legal rights and correct misconceptions surrounding the ACJL. Previously, the campaign visited Ipodo Market in Ikeja and Mile 12 Market, with plans to extend to Ajah Market.
Awareness on Key Legal Provisions
Felicitas Aigbogun-Brai, Executive Director of REPLACE, emphasized the importance of educating women about the provisions of the ACJL, which was enacted in 2015 and amended in 2021. She noted that many women remain unaware of laws that safeguard their rights, particularly in their interactions with law enforcement.
“One such provision allows women to act as sureties at police stations, a right often denied due to entrenched biases,” Aigbogun-Brai said.
“The law clearly states that a woman can stand as surety if she meets the same conditions as a man. Women need to know and insist on this right.”
She also highlighted Section 4 of the ACJL, which prohibits the arrest of individuals in place of suspects.
“If your relative or friend is a suspect, the police have no right to arrest you. This is a crucial point we want people to understand and assert,” she added.
Key Objectives of the Campaign
The campaign seeks to achieve three critical outcomes:
- Increased Awareness: Educating Lagos residents on ACJL provisions that protect their rights.
- Reduced Arbitrary Arrests: Advocating against the practice of arresting individuals “in lieu” of suspects.
- Empowered Women: Encouraging women to confidently stand as sureties and assert their legal rights.
Aigbogun-Brai further called on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to ensure officers adhere to the provisions of the ACJL and uphold citizens’ rights.
Traders Commend the Campaign
Mrs. Oshodi Olawunmi, a trader at Iponri Market, praised the campaign for its focus on empowering women.
Sharing her experience, she said, “Recently, a young man took my daughter to the police station on false accusations. When I got there, I made it clear I knew my rights and the law. My daughter was eventually freed and handed over to me.
“I love this campaign because women need it. They need to know their rights, especially that they can stand as sureties for someone at the police station. I commend REPLACE and their sponsors for enlightening us.”
SGBV Advocate Speaks on Women’s Rights
Chineme Ibeta Orewole, a physically challenged activist and founder of the Build and Empower Children Disability Foundation, also spoke on the importance of the programme.
“As an advocate for ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) against women, we are participating in this campaign because it provides an opportunity to enlighten women about their rights,” she said.
“Every woman in Lagos should know that they have the right to stand as surety at police stations. It is also unlawful for the police to arrest someone for another person’s offence. A son or husband cannot commit an offence, and you arrest the mother or wife. Women need to know their legal protections against sexual, domestic, and emotional violence.”
Sustaining the Effort
REPLACE pledged to continue its awareness efforts to ensure more women and vulnerable groups in Lagos State understand and assert their rights under the ACJL.
The campaign is a vital step towards reducing systemic biases, empowering women, and promoting justice for all.