In a recent conversation addressing human rights violations in Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mrs. Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, revealed a concerning issue.
The Ministry of Justice, where she also holds the position of Permanent Secretary, has not received any budgetary allocation for settling judgement debts since 2019.
Speaking through Mr. Enoch Simon, a director in the litigation department of the Attorney-General of the Federation’s office, Jeddy-Agba expressed her dismay.
The ministry of justice is in debts
She highlighted the significant challenge the government faces in timely prosecuting cases related to fundamental rights and enforcing resulting judgements, despite the legal framework in place.
Jeddy-Agba further emphasized that the Ministry of Justice often finds itself compelled to cover judgement debts resulting from unlawful actions by law enforcement agencies and agents.
These security and law enforcement institutions become the actual debtors due to their actions leading to these violations.
She went on to explain,
“Although security or law enforcement agencies are usually at the core of these judgment debts due to their actions or lack thereof, the Ministry of Justice is drawn into the situation. This happens either because the Attorney-General of the Federation is sued nominally, or the judgment creditor seeks the AGF’s consent in line with section 84 (1-3) of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act.”
They need clearance from the AG
Jeddy-Agba explained the importance of adherence to due process and the Financial Regulations of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
According to her, any agency seeking to make payment for judgment debts must have clearance from the Attorney-General, accompanied by the necessary budgetary appropriation as per the Federal Ministry of Finance’s policy.
The solicitor-general also noted that certain agencies in debt have been referring judgment debt matters to the Attorney-General for intervention.
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Meanwhile, the ACJHR has issued a statement asserting the innocence of Godwin Emefiele, who is facing fresh allegations brought by the Federal Government.
The Director of Public Prosecution and counsel to the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Abubakar, recently announced the filing of a 20-count charge against Emefiele before an FCT High Court in Abuja.
These charges are related to alleged corrupt advantages granted to Emefiele’s associates, including CBN employee Sa’adatu Yaro and her company, April1616 Investment Limited.
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