TheCable

The Lagos police command says it is collaborating with the ministry of justice in the state to decongest cells amid the ongoing strike of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

On April 6, JUSUN embarked on an indefinite strike to protest against the non-implementation of financial autonomy for the judiciary.

President Muhammadu had, in May 2020, signed an executive order granting financial autonomy to both the judiciary and legislative arms of government — but the order was suspended after state governors raised concerns.

With the JUSUN strike currently in its third month, the development has crippled the dispensation of justice in the country as courts have remained under lock and key.

Speaking on the development, Muyiwa Adejobi, Lagos police spokesperson, in an interview with NAN on Tuesday, said the state’s chief judge has provided the command with magistrates and district prosecutors to assess suspects’ files and grant bail.

He, however, did not state the number of suspects that have been granted bail.

“The command had been managing the situation in collaboration with the office of the state’s chief judge,” he said.

“We work with the office of the CJ and attorney-general of Lagos state to decongest our cells.

“The CJ has provided the services of some magistrates and district prosecutors to assess case files and grant bail to some suspects. So, we are collaborating with them in this regard.”

Last Friday, Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employment, expressed optimism that courts and state assemblies will reopen this week, following the resolution reached with the striking workers.