Officers in the delivery of criminal justice have been tasked to deploy techniques for seamless criminal cases in Ogun State.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade SAN, gave this charge in Abeokuta, while declaring open a two-day workshop with the theme, “Effective Investigation for Efficient Prosecution of Criminal cases”, for Law and Police Officers, as well as the Public Prosecution Officers in the Ministry of Justice, stating that the workshop would equip the officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct thorough and effective investigation of criminal cases, for successful prosecutions in the court of law.
The Attorney-General added that the platform would enable participants to be proactive in combating crimes, ensure speedy justice in the judicial system, as well as help in the successful implementation of criminal justice, to promote proper administration, promising that the Ministry would continue to ensure the rule of law and justice were not delayed.
“Innovative approaches and best practices in handling different types of criminal cases ranging from fraud, violence and so on should be applied in justice dispensation.
“This workshop is not a criticism for any team rather it was scheduled as we have seen benefits of cooperation between police and the Ministry of Justice”, he said.
In his remarks, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Olusegun Olaotan, noted that effective investigation was paramount to aid efficient contribution for criminal justice.
He promised stakeholders that the Ministry would proffer solutions to challenges channeled through it for successful prosecution of cases.
Delivering his lecture, the resource person, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN), Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, emphasised the crucial link between effective investigation and efficient prosecution of criminal cases.
Mr. Jacobs said the challenges often faced by prosecutors arose from investigations, saying key elements such as complaint, prosecution power, drafting charges, evidence compilation, witness examination and the role of prosecution in sentencing could hamper seamless justice delivery.
Underscoring the importance of proper investigation in facilitating efficient prosecution, in accordance with the objectives outlined in the state’s Criminal Justice Law, the Senior Advocate, advised stakeholders to synergise in order to ease their tasks.
In her reaction, a participant, Assistant Director, Public Prosecution Department, Mrs. Titilayo Bisiriyu, said knowledge gained would be properly applied in the course of carrying out their responsibilities.
