The Rights Enforcement and Public Law Centre (REPLACE) has successfully concluded its market campaign to raise awareness about the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Lagos State.
The final leg of the outreach took place at the Ajah Ultra-Modern Market, where market women, social workers, and REPLACE staff engaged traders on their legal rights and the provisions of the ACJL.
The campaign, which involved visits to four major markets in Lagos, aimed to empower citizens, particularly women, with knowledge about their rights under the ACJL.
Speaking at the event, Felicitas Aigbogun-Brai, the Executive Director of REPLACE, expressed satisfaction with the impact of the campaign.
“It’s been highly successful, and many people have embraced our message,” Aigbogun-Brai said. “However, we encountered challenges, particularly from men who hold misconceptions about the law, such as the belief that bail requires payment or that police brutality is acceptable. We took time to engage these individuals and correct these misunderstandings.”
She added that the sensitization effort is expected to result in increased reports of police misconduct to institutions such as the Legal Aid Council and the National Human Rights Commission. “We hope more people will now assert their rights and seek legal redress when necessary,” she said.
Market Leaders and Victims Speak Out
Paul Ogunyemi, the Secretary of the Ajah Market, who represented the market leader, praised the initiative as a crucial step toward educating women about their rights.
“This programme is a great opportunity for market women to learn about the law. We will ensure the information is widely shared, and the phone numbers provided are well-utilized,” Ogunyemi said.
He also expressed support for the law’s stance on individual accountability, emphasizing that no innocent person should be arrested in place of another. “Lagos State is doing a commendable job in amplifying the voices of women,” he added.
The outreach resonated deeply with individuals like Uche Emmanuel, a victim of police misconduct, who shared her harrowing experience of being unlawfully arrested for knowing someone accused of a crime.
“If I had known my rights then, my family wouldn’t have paid bribes to secure my release,” Emmanuel said.
Social Workers Applaud Campaign
Ayoola Gandonu, a social worker with the Child Protection Network, described the sensitization campaign as eye-opening for many.
“Most people are unaware of their rights, but this outreach has changed that. Women now understand their legal standing and are better equipped to challenge injustices,” Gandonu stated.
She recounted distressing stories from the campaign, including women being arrested for offenses committed by others or being denied the ability to post bail without a male guarantor. “These practices violate the law, and it’s gratifying to see women now empowered to challenge such abuses,” she added.
Looking Ahead
As the campaign wraps up, REPLACE remains optimistic about its long-term impact. With increased awareness about the ACJL, citizens are expected to challenge police misconduct and demand accountability. This marks a significant step toward fostering a more just and equitable society in Lagos State.
The campaign’s success underscores the importance of grassroots sensitization efforts in bridging the gap between legal provisions and public understanding.