A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) of the US Embassy Abuja and its implementing partner, the National Centre for State Courts (NCSC), aimed at enhancing the capacity of relevant justice sector stakeholders to resolve cases involving terrorism financing, among others.
The “U.S. FUNDED PROGRAM TO STRENGTHEN NIGERIA’S CAPACITY TO INVESTIGATE, PROSECUTE, DEFEND, AND ADJUDICATE TERRORISM AND ATROCITY CASES” is officially launched in Nigeria with the signing of the MOU at the FHC headquarters.
According to NCSC Nigeria, the program aims to “strengthen the capacity of Nigeria’s judicial sector to investigate, prosecute, defend, and adjudicate terrorism, terrorism financing, atrocity crimes, war crimes, and crimes against humanity,” as well as ensure compliance with the rule of law and international best practices.
The program’s goal is to provide Nigerian justice institutions with the tools and expertise needed to handle and resolve complex terrorism and atrocity cases effectively and ethically through targeted training, stakeholder engagements, and technical assistance.
Enhancing case management and courtroom procedures in Nigeria are key priorities.
Financing of Terrorism
The project will provide participants with “the necessary tools to handle the complexities of terrorism, terrorist financing, and atrocity crimes,” according to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat M. Kereke-Ekun, in her remarks at the event.
[READ ALSO] Alleged Terrorism: DSS Witness alleges that 200 security personnel were murdered in the southeast.The CJN, who was represented by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba of the Supreme Court, made it clear that the program will also improve inter-agency coordination and case management procedures, making sure that Nigeria’s justice delivery systems are both effective and credible.
The NCSC has been a reliable and reliable partner in the reform of the Nigerian judiciary for more than 20 years. It has significantly assisted in the creation of a custom case management system that is based on our local procedures and works closely with the National Judicial Council.
It has also advocated for court automation, supported digital tools, provided crucial training, and promoted institutional transparency through court monitoring initiatives, “Garba said, adding that this project has renewed energy and put a sharpened focus on one of the most pressing issues of our time.
Justice Tsoho, on his part, expressed deep gratitude to the court’s international partners, who have shown unwavering support for Nigeria’s justice system.
He continued, noting that the current training program has been implemented because of their unmatched financial and technical support.
This collaboration underscores the widespread scope of the fight against terrorism and atrocity crimes, and underscores the idea that no one country can solve these problems alone, he added.
INL Director Candace Spradley, the representative of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, stated that the project represents an act of justice and accountability.
Spradley assured that interested parties could help make the United States, Nigeria, and other countries safer, stronger, and more prosperous by facilitating prosecutions of terrorism and atrocities.
What Information You Need to Know
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) added South Africa and Nigeria to its grey list on February 24, 2024, with this development coming just months later.
According to the task force, nations on the grey list need to intensify their efforts to combat money laundering and terrorism financing.
According to the FATF, being listed on the grey list indicates that the country has a commitment to address identified strategic gaps within agreed time limits.
The FATF concentrates on preventing money laundering and terrorism financing as an intergovernmental policy-making body.
Source: Channels TV
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