Special Criminal Divisions in Oyo State: 7 Key Measures Assembly Wants

The Oyo State House of Assembly has called for the establishment of Special Criminal Divisions in Oyo State to speed up the hearing and determination of serious criminal cases, including kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, murder, rape, cultism and cybercrime.

The call followed a motion moved by Hon. Dawood Olalere, representing Ibadan North-West Constituency, during Tuesday’s plenary session of the Assembly.

The sitting was presided over by the Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, while the motion was seconded by Hon. Gbenga Oyekola, representing Atiba State Constituency.

The lawmakers said the proposal was necessary to address delays in the criminal justice system and ensure that serious cases are handled more efficiently.

Why the Assembly wants Special Criminal Divisions in Oyo State

The Assembly said an effective criminal justice system is essential to maintaining law and order, protecting lives and property, upholding the rule of law and preserving public confidence in the judiciary.

According to the lawmakers, justice must not only be done but must also be delivered within a reasonable period.

The Assembly expressed concern over the reported increase in serious offences across Oyo State, particularly kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, murder, rape, cult-related violence, cybercrime and other violent crimes.

It also pointed to criminal activities and violent attacks in parts of northern Oyo as further reasons for strengthening the state’s criminal justice system.

The lawmakers argued that prolonged criminal proceedings can affect victims, defendants, witnesses and the wider community.

Congested court dockets raise concern

One of the major concerns raised during the debate was the workload currently handled by the Oyo State High Court.

The Assembly noted that High Courts deal with both civil and criminal matters. According to the lawmakers, this can contribute to congested dockets, frequent adjournments and lengthy criminal trials.

The situation, they argued, can make it difficult for serious criminal cases to receive the focused attention they require.

The lawmakers acknowledged the commitment of judicial officers but maintained that the increasing volume and complexity of criminal litigation require additional measures to improve case management.

They said the existing Administration of Criminal Justice framework was designed to encourage faster and more efficient criminal proceedings, but the growing number of cases calls for stronger judicial structures.

Dedicated judges and courtrooms proposed

As part of the proposed reforms, the Assembly urged the Chief Judge of Oyo State to designate specific High Court judges and courtrooms to handle serious criminal matters.

The proposed Special Criminal Divisions in Oyo State would be dedicated to the hearing and determination of serious criminal cases.

The lawmakers also called for modern case-management procedures to be introduced across the state’s judicial divisions.

Such an approach, they said, could help reduce avoidable adjournments and allow criminal matters to move through the courts more efficiently.

The proposal is not for a completely separate court system but for dedicated divisions within the existing High Court structure.

Digital technology could support faster trials

The Assembly also called on the executive arm of government to provide adequate financial, technological and administrative support for the proposed reforms.

Among the measures requested were digital case-management systems, electronic recording facilities and additional judicial personnel.

The lawmakers believe technology could help improve the way cases are scheduled, recorded, monitored and followed up.

For a criminal justice system dealing with a large number of cases, effective case tracking can also help identify matters that have remained pending for extended periods.

The success of the proposed reforms, however, would depend on adequate funding and effective cooperation between the Judiciary and other government institutions involved in criminal justice.

Ministry of Justice asked to strengthen prosecution

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice was urged to establish and adequately staff a specialised unit within the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to handle cases before the proposed criminal divisions.

The Assembly also called for regular training of prosecutors on the Administration of Criminal Justice Law.

The lawmakers said prosecutors need to be adequately equipped to manage serious criminal cases efficiently and work closely with the courts and investigating authorities.

They further urged the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other security agencies to speed up investigations and ensure that completed case files are forwarded promptly to the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

The aim is to reduce delays between investigation, prosecution and the commencement of court proceedings.

Victims, witnesses and defendants also need protection

The Assembly’s proposal also addressed the welfare and rights of people involved in criminal proceedings.

The lawmakers called for adequate funding of witness protection programmes, victim support services and free legal aid for indigent defendants.

They said stronger support for victims and witnesses could encourage greater cooperation with investigators and prosecutors.

At the same time, the Assembly stressed the importance of protecting the constitutional right to a fair trial for defendants.

This means that efforts to speed up criminal cases should not result in shortcuts that undermine due process.

A faster justice system, the lawmakers argued, should combine efficiency with fairness and accountability.

Awaiting-trial inmates also highlighted

The Nigerian Correctional Service, Oyo State Command, was urged to provide regular nominal rolls of awaiting-trial inmates to the Judiciary and Ministry of Justice.

The Assembly also called for virtual or remote court proceedings where appropriate.

According to the lawmakers, such arrangements could help facilitate the speedy arraignment and trial of inmates while reducing unnecessary delays associated with moving defendants between correctional facilities and courts.

Better communication between correctional authorities, prosecutors and the Judiciary could also help authorities identify cases that require urgent attention.

Assembly committee to monitor implementation

The House mandated its Committee on Public Petitions, Justice and Judiciary to interface with the Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary over the proposed reforms.

The committee is expected to monitor implementation and report progress back to the Assembly.

For the proposal to deliver the intended results, several institutions will need to work together. These include the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Correctional Service, Nigerian Bar Association and other relevant stakeholders.

The Assembly’s resolution is therefore a call for coordinated action rather than an indication that the proposed divisions have already been established.

If implemented, the Special Criminal Divisions in Oyo State could provide a more focused structure for dealing with serious criminal cases and help reduce delays in the justice system.

The proposal also places emphasis on digital case management, dedicated judicial personnel, faster investigations, stronger prosecution and support for victims and witnesses.

The next step will be for the relevant authorities to consider the Assembly’s recommendations and determine how the proposed reforms can be implemented across the state’s judicial divisions.