Section 373 Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) Lagos

Section 373 Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, as amended in 2021, is about Protection of Victims and Witnesses. It provides as follows:

(1) In exceptional circumstances, either of the parties may apply to the court to order the non- disclosure of the identity of a victim or witness who may be in
danger or at risk, until the trial court decides otherwise.

(2) In the determination of protective measures for victims and witnesses, the
trial court may consult the office responsible for the protection of witnesses.

(3) A court may, suo motu or at the request of either party, or of the body
or unit in charge of victim or witness concerned, order appropriate measures
for the privacy and protection of victims and witnesses:

Provided that the measures are consistent with the rights of the offender.

(4) A trial court may hold in camera proceedings to determine whether to
order –
(a) measures to prevent disclosure to the public or the media of the identity or whereabouts of a victim or a witness, or of persons related to or associated
with a victim or witness by such means as:

(i) non-disclosure to the public of any records identifying the victim or witness;
(ii) giving of testimony through image or voice altering devices, video link or
closed-circuit television;
and

(iii) assignment of a pseudonym.
(b) closed session; or
(c) appropriate measures to facilitate the testimony of vulnerable victims and witnesses.

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