Activists sensitising traders on the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in Ikeja Ipodo Market, on Friday in Lagos/ Photo: Benedicta Bassey
Activists in Lagos state on Friday sensitises about one thousand traders in the popular Ikeja Ipodo market on the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).
The activists which comprising of the Nigeria Bar Association (LACON), Legal Aid council, Child protection network (CPN), REPLACE, converge to educate women on the need to uphold their rights without enforcement prejudice.
The sensitization campaign was organized by the Rights Enforcement and Public Law Centre (REPLACE), in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme, educating citizens on the ACJL of Lagos State, held in Ikeja on Friday.
The outreach which focused on deepening public understanding of legal protections encouraged traders to assert their rights when dealing with law enforcement agencies. Traders were re-educated on key provisions of the ACJL, including the right of women to stand as sureties.
The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to expanding the awareness to other markets across Lagos, with the aim of strengthening public knowledge of the law, reducing rights violations, and empowering citizens, especially women to demand accountability.
The Executive Director of REPLACE, Felicitas Aigbogun-Brai, urged women whose rights have been violated to report to the NBA Ikeja Human Right Committee.
She said, “Today, we have received about three complaints relating to police harassment, and we have directed them to appropriate bodies including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja Human Rights Committee, hence, it is essential we educate more people on the ACJL to enforce compliance and implementation.
“The goal of the initiative is to see citizens challenge abuse of power and promptly report rights violations using the support channels provided. We want people to be able to say no to intimidation or unlawful treatment by authorities and confidently reach out for help, when necessary. The awareness no doubt has improved and people feel empowered to seek help and defend their rights,” she explained.
Aigbogun-Brai noted that the increased willingness of residents to speak up reflects growing confidence in the system and better understanding of available support structures.
Earlier, the coordinating officer, RoLAC Programme, Samson Onwusonye said the program which is a five-year initiative and funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, would enable Lagosian to understand the key provisions of the law and push for implementation.
He explained that the programme focuses on criminal justice reform, improved access to justice—especially for women, children, and persons with disabilities, and strengthening accountability and transparency in governance.
“What we are doing here is extending our reach to beneficiaries by supporting credible organisations like REPLACE to drive grassroots awareness of human rights provisions within the ACJL, and such partnerships remains critical to ensuring that legal protections translate into real-life impact for vulnerable communities,” Onwusonye added.
Also speaking, Iyabo Akingbade, State Coordinator of the Legal Aid Council in Lagos, stressed the need of taking legal awareness to vulnerable populations.
She said, “We provide free legal services to indigent and vulnerable persons, including women, children, and victims of trafficking. This sensitisation is to ensure that people understand their rights, especially when dealing with law enforcement.”
Akingbade highlighted critical provisions of the ACJL, including the abolition of “arrest in lieu,” where relatives are detained in place of suspects, and the right of women to stand as sureties in bail processes.
“Being in conflict with the law does not strip anyone of their fundamental rights. Every suspect must be treated with dignity, informed of the reason for arrest, and given access to legal representation. Where they cannot afford a lawyer, free legal services are available.”
Ipodo market community leaders speak
The Community Development Association chairperson, Ikeja Local Government, Olori Adefolami commended the initiative, noting that, the awareness campaign has immensely boost understanding of rights among residents.
According to her, “This is the second time they are coming to our community, and we now understand our rights much better. We know now that a woman can stand as surety,” she said.
Also, the Community Development Committee (CDC) Secretary for Anifowose, Osinberu Sulukaleen, described the programme as timely and impactful.
“Women have been marginalised for a long time, so this advocacy is timely and a wake-up awareness. People are more willing to cooperate,” he said.
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