By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has called for an urgent public hearing and broad stakeholder engagement on 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), warning that the proposed legislations have far-reaching implications for human rights and due process.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD disclosed that both bills have already passed second reading at the Abia State House of Assembly and have progressed to the committee stage, which it described as a “critical phase” in the legislative process.

“This stage of the legislative process is critical, as it allows for detailed examination, stakeholder input, and public participation before final passage into law,” FENRAD stated.

The rights group said the proposed laws could significantly impact criminal justice administration, access to justice, and the protection of fundamental rights in the state if not properly scrutinised.

“These proposed bills have far-reaching implications for criminal justice administration, fundamental human rights, due process, and access to justice in Abia State,” the organisation warned.

FENRAD stressed that any criminal law reform must strictly align with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), particularly provisions guaranteeing fair hearing, personal liberty, human dignity, and equality before the law.

“Any reform or enactment of criminal laws must comply with constitutional safeguards, including the right to fair hearing and protection of human dignity and personal liberty,” the statement said.

The organisation also reminded the state government of Nigeria’s international obligations, noting that the country is a signatory to key human rights instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

“These instruments impose binding obligations on all levels of government to ensure that criminal justice laws promote fair trial standards, protection against arbitrary arrest and detention, presumption of innocence, and access to legal representation,” FENRAD said.

Referencing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, FENRAD said modern criminal justice reform in Nigeria prioritises speedy justice, accountability, and protection against abuse of police powers.

“The spirit of modern criminal justice reform emphasises speedy dispensation of justice, protection of the rights of suspects, defendants and victims, and reduction of undue delays and abuse of police powers,” the group stated.

Consequently, FENRAD called on the Abia State House of Assembly, civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association, human rights lawyers, and other stakeholders to insist on statewide public hearings and town hall consultations before the bills are passed.

“Public participation at this stage is essential to guarantee that the bills, when eventually passed, will strengthen the rule of law, advance human rights protection, promote justice sector reform, and reflect the aspirations and lived realities of the people of Abia State,” the organisation said.

FENRAD reaffirmed its readiness to engage lawmakers and stakeholders constructively, stating that it remains committed to legislative advocacy and democratic governance in Abia State.