The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has called for a comprehensive public hearing and broad stakeholder engagement on two key bills currently before the Abia State House of Assembly: 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).
In a statement made available to stakeholders, civil society organisations, the legal community, development partners, the media and the general public, FENRAD noted that both bills have passed second reading and have advanced to the committee stage, a critical phase that allows for detailed scrutiny, expert input and public participation before final passage.
According to the organisation, the proposed legislations carry far-reaching implications for criminal justice administration, fundamental human rights, due process and access to justice in Abia State.
FENRAD stressed that any reform of criminal laws must align with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly Section 36 on the right to fair hearing; Sections 34 and 35 on human dignity and personal liberty; and Section 17(2)(e) which guarantees equality before the law.
The group further reminded the Assembly that Nigeria is bound by several international and regional human rights instruments it has ratified and domesticated, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the United Nations Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary. These, it said, impose obligations on all tiers of government to ensure fair trial standards, protection against arbitrary arrest and detention, presumption of innocence, and access to legal representation.
FENRAD also referenced the spirit of modern criminal justice reforms in Nigeria as embodied in the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which prioritises speedy dispensation of justice, protection of the rights of suspects, defendants and victims, reduction of delays and abuse of police powers, as well as transparency and accountability within the justice system.
In view of these considerations, the organisation urged the Abia State House of Assembly particularly the relevant committees alongside public interest civil society organisations, human rights lawyers, the Nigerian Bar Association, legal practitioners and other stakeholders, to facilitate statewide public hearings and town hall consultations.
FENRAD maintained that such engagements would enable citizens and experts to critically examine the bills, make informed contributions and ensure that the proposed laws conform with constitutional and human rights standards.
The group emphasized that meaningful public participation would help ensure the bills strengthen the rule of law, advance human rights protection, promote justice sector reforms and reflect the aspirations and lived realities of the people of Abia State.
FENRAD reaffirmed its commitment to civic engagement, legislative advocacy and democratic governance, pledging its readiness to work with lawmakers, stakeholders and the media to ensure that Abia State’s criminal justice framework upholds justice, accountability and respect for human rights.
The statement was signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director, Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), Abia State.
