BY SOLOMON OKPO
The Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) State-Level Working Group (SLWG), in collaboration with the International Federation of Women Lawyers, FIDA Nigeria Uyo Branch, has organized a sensitization campaign and training programme for vulnerable communities in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The event, held on May 15, 2026, formed part of the Quarter 3 CLEEN Foundation Project supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, and was aimed at deepening public awareness of citizens’ rights and protections under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law.
Participants at the programme included clan heads, village heads, youth presidents, women leaders and other community stakeholders drawn from across Ibiono Ibom LGA.
Speaking during the training sessions, resource persons emphasized the need for citizens to understand legal safeguards against unlawful arrest, abuse of police powers and violations of human rights.
Chief Magistrate Helen Umana delivered a lecture on conflict resolution and counselling skills, while Dr. Eno Obong Akpan spoke extensively on the law and justice system.
Another facilitator, Ubong Effiong, educated participants on critical provisions of the ACJL, including unlawful arrest, the prohibition of denying women the right to stand as sureties for bail, speedy trial provisions, police involvement in civil matters, and protections for vulnerable persons.
The programme also featured interactive questions and answer sessions, where participants actively engaged facilitators on issues affecting access to justice within their communities.
Organizers noted that the sensitization campaign achieved significant impact by increasing public knowledge of ACJL provisions, empowering vulnerable groups to understand and exercise their legal rights, and strengthening collaboration between community leaders and justice sector stakeholders.
Certificates of participation were presented to attendees at the end of the training programme.
The ACJL State-Level Working Group Secretariat described the initiative as part of ongoing efforts to promote justice sector reforms, human rights protection and community-based legal awareness across Akwa Ibom State.
