The Anambra state government has announced plans to withdraw criminal cases linked to land disputes over concerns of civil matters unduly criminalized.
The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Sylvia Ifemeje, said that the state has observed undue criminalization of civil matters involving land disputes, which has led to many criminal cases pending in various courts, thus, prompting the initiative.
Ifemeje, on Wednesday, said that the move is part of ongoing correctional reforms aimed at restoring fairness in the justice system, calling on those facing criminal prosecution for land-related disputes believed to be civil in nature to submit their complaints.
The review, anchored on Section 211 (1) (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), seeks to identify such cases and withdraw charges where appropriate, ensuring that civil disputes are not prosecuted as crimes.
Members of the public and the Nigerian Bar Association have been invited to forward relevant case files to the Attorney General’s Chambers for consideration.
Officials emphasized that the initiative reflects a broader effort to strengthen correctional reforms and uphold justice in land-related matters across Anambra State.