“Access To Criminal Justice In Nigeria, A Far Cry To Persons With Disablities”- Ayuba Gufwan

The Albino Foundation Public Notice

In a  2- Day National Dialogue on integrating Inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities in Criminal justice administration and Reforms holding in Abuja today, the 17th and 18th October, 2024, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disabilities has asserted that it is yet to have a concerted effort to bridge the gap on the justice system.

He said this while addressing disability Stakeholders as he declared the workshop open for brainstorming.

“You will agree with me that Persons with disabilities from various clusters are still not able to access justice as they ought to in many respects” he underscored.

According to him, accessibility comes in diverse forms where sign Language interpreters are needed for the Deaf, braille materials for the visually impaired, standard ramps for wheelchair users around coury premises, appropriation for financial disability and the rest.

 He however, decried that many public facilities are yet to fully comply with the accessibility regulations developed at the Commission.

Again, the ES mentioned that there are numerous lawyers with disabilities who are  on litigation but, cannot access Court environment or materials to aid legal processes.

The project manager, Criminal justice Reforms, Dr. Oluwatoyin Badejogbin explained workings of the justice system and the necessary steps to take for an improved society

In the same vein, the Director, Compliance and Enforcement, NCPWD, Barr. Ikem Uchegbulam made reference to the changes that have occurred during the process of prosecution..

“Before now, women were not allowed to post bail but, the coming of the 2015, ACJA opened the access for equality in the law practice” he said.