The Ogun State Government has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of its criminal justice system with the introduction of the Group Liability for Offences of Violence, Extortion and Secret Societies (GLOVES) Bill, a legislation aimed at making members of unlawful societies criminally liable for offences committed in furtherance of their groups’ objectives.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), disclosed this on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ engagement on justice sector reforms in the state.
Ogungbade explained that the proposed legislation was designed to address gaps in the existing legal framework, particularly in cases where individuals allegedly commit violent or other criminal acts as members of organised groups.
According to him, the GLOVES Bill would provide a legal framework for establishing liability against members of unlawful societies where offences are committed in pursuit of the objectives or activities of such groups.
He said the proposed law was part of the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen public safety, improve access to justice and respond more effectively to organised violence, cultism and extortion.
The Attorney-General also disclosed plans to establish a Victims Support Office as part of the reforms.
The office, when established, is expected to provide institutional support to victims of crime and help them navigate the justice system, particularly in cases involving violence and other serious offences.
Ogungbade said the proposed reforms were aimed not only at prosecuting offenders but also at ensuring that victims receive appropriate attention and support throughout the justice process.
He noted that an effective criminal justice system must balance the prosecution of offenders with the protection of victims’ rights and the provision of mechanisms through which victims can obtain necessary assistance.
The commissioner stressed the importance of collaboration among relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, traditional institutions, civil society organisations and members of the public, in tackling criminal activities and improving the administration of justice.
He said the state government would continue to pursue legal and institutional reforms capable of strengthening the justice system and making Ogun safer for residents, businesses and investors.
The proposed GLOVES Bill is expected to undergo the necessary legislative processes before it can become law, including consideration by the Ogun State House of Assembly and other relevant stakeholders.
If enacted, the legislation could introduce a stronger legal approach to dealing with organised criminal activities by targeting not only individuals directly involved in offences but also members of unlawful groups whose activities facilitate or promote such crimes.
The initiative is part of the Ogun State Government’s continuing efforts to strengthen its criminal justice architecture and improve the state’s response to cultism, violence, extortion and other organised criminal activities.
