The Commissioner for Justice, Tobechukwu Nweke (SAN), has stated that Anambra remains the leading state in criminal justice sector reforms in Nigeria, citing the state’s innovative legal framework and commitment to strengthening the administration of justice.
The Anambra State Attorney General made the assertion during a workshop organized by International IDEA under its Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme for judges, magistrates, state prosecutors, police prosecutors, defence counsel, and civil society organizations in Awka.
The workshop followed a stakeholders’ meeting held on April 15, 2026, at the Attorney General’s Chambers, where discussions focused on deepening collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and the RoLAC Programme to enhance the implementation of plea bargaining and other criminal justice reforms in Anambra State.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that the workshop centered on the principles and practice of plea bargaining, sentencing guidelines, and other relevant provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).
Addressing participants, Barrister Nweke emphasized that Anambra has consistently remained at the forefront of criminal justice reforms, noting that several of the state’s initiatives have served as models for other states across the country.
The Attorney General expressed appreciation for the presence of Justice Peter Obiorah, describing him as a distinguished jurist and authority in criminal justice sector reforms. He noted that Justice Obiorah’s wealth of experience and expertise would greatly enrich the workshop and deepen participants’ understanding of contemporary justice reforms.
Nweke commended Justice Obiorah for facilitating the workshop despite his demanding schedule and urged participants to take full advantage of the sessions to broaden their knowledge and strengthen their professional capacities.
In his remarks, Justice Obiorah praised the Attorney General for the reforms introduced within a short period of assuming office. He observed that the justice sector in Anambra State has witnessed significant progress and expressed confidence that more transformative changes would be achieved under Nweke’s leadership.
Justice Obiorah further noted that the appointment of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria as Attorney General represents a significant milestone for the state and could accelerate ongoing reforms within the justice sector.
The Anambra State RoLAC Project Coordinator, Mrs. Josephine Onah, in her speech commended the Attorney General for his commitment to justice sector reforms and welcomed participants to the workshop. She expressed optimism that the engagement would further strengthen the administration of criminal justice in Anambra State.
