By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has called on the Abia State House of Assembly to conduct a comprehensive public hearing and stakeholder engagement on two major criminal justice bills currently before the legislature.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 29, 2026, the frontline human rights organisation said the Abia State Criminal Law Bill 2026 (H.A.B 1) and the Abia State Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2026 (H.A.B 2) have already passed second reading and moved to the committee stage, a phase it described as critical for public participation.
According to FENRAD, the committee stage provides a vital opportunity for citizens, civil society organisations, legal professionals and development partners to examine the bills in detail before they are passed into law.
The organisation warned that the proposed legislation carries wide-ranging implications for criminal justice administration, fundamental human rights, due process, and access to justice in Abia State.
FENRAD stressed that any criminal law reform must align with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly provisions relating to fair hearing, human dignity, personal liberty and equality before the law.
It also reminded the state government that Nigeria is bound by several international and regional human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which impose obligations to uphold fair trial standards and protect citizens from arbitrary arrest and detention.
The group further referenced the guiding principles of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which prioritises speedy justice delivery, protection of suspects and victims, reduction of procedural delays, and accountability within law enforcement agencies.
FENRAD therefore urged the Abia State House of Assembly, relevant legislative committees, the Nigerian Bar Association, human rights lawyers, civil society groups and other stakeholders to insist on open public hearings and town hall consultations across the state.
Such engagements, the organisation said, would help ensure that the bills reflect constitutional safeguards, protect civil liberties and address the lived realities of Abia residents.
The statement, signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to civic participation, legislative advocacy and democratic governance.
FENRAD expressed readiness to collaborate with lawmakers, the media and other stakeholders to ensure that Abia State’s criminal justice framework promotes justice, accountability and respect for human rights.
