Danladi Unveils Justice Sector Reforms, Accelerates Legal Advice to Seven Days in Nasarawa

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…As Attorney General highlights improved prosecution, synergy with security agencies, decongestion efforts

By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku Lafia

The Nasarawa State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Isaac Danladi, has outlined sweeping reforms in the Ministry of Justice aimed at strengthening legal processes, improving prosecution efficiency, and enhancing access to justice across the state.

Danladi disclosed this during the monthly ministerial briefing organised by the Ministry of Information and aired on NBS TV/Radio, where he presented an overview of the ministry’s operations and recent achievements.

He revealed that one of the key reforms introduced under his leadership is the drastic reduction in the timeline for issuing legal advice on case files—from about two weeks to between six and seven days.

According to him, the reform was achieved by streamlining internal processes and eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks that previously required case files to pass through multiple directors before approval.

“We have simplified the system. Once case files are received from the police, they go directly to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, where they are assigned to competent lawyers and processed promptly,” he explained.

The Attorney General noted that the ministry has also strengthened collaboration with security agencies, including the police and civil defence, to ensure timely investigation and prosecution of cases, especially high-profile criminal matters.

He emphasised that the Ministry of Justice retains the constitutional authority to take over prosecution of cases where necessary to ensure diligence and fairness in the judicial process.

On prison congestion and the issue of awaiting trial inmates, Danladi acknowledged existing challenges but attributed delays in some cases to the nature and gravity of offences, as well as ongoing investigations.

He, however, noted that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi Sule, is making conscious efforts to address the situation through regular review of cases and collaboration with the judiciary.

The Attorney General further disclosed that the ministry has engaged additional lawyers and introduced pro bono arrangements to handle cases efficiently, ensuring that justice delivery is not hindered by manpower limitations.

Danladi stressed that the focus of his administration is not just on increasing the number of legal personnel but on enhancing productivity and quality service delivery.

He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, particularly those of women and children, and ensuring that justice is served in a timely and effective manner.

The monthly ministerial briefing serves as a platform for ministries, departments, and agencies to account for their activities and keep the public informed on government policies and programmes.