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By Christopher Oji
Stakeholders in security, at the weekend, called for immediate reforms of the justice system in Nigeria.
The stakeholders spoke during the 2024 annual lecture/award ceremony of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), with the lecture topic “Justice System Administration and Insecurity In Nigeria: Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions,” with the consensus that reform was long overdue, and called on the executive, legislature and the judiciary to collaborate in the reform.
Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Police headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, declared that all hands must be on deck to ensure better security in Nigeria.
The AIG stated that the task of securing Nigeria should not be left to the Nigeria Police alone, and called for the collaboration of all and sundry in crime fighting and prevention to make the country a safer place.
The AIG lamented the reluctance of complainants in following up their cases to the prosecution level, saying that this adversely affects the justice system and efforts of the Nigeria Police. Fayoade noted that such cases, when charged to court are often struck out for lack of evidence.
“It is very important that we talk about the justice system as it affects the country. If our justice system is not effective enough, we will not have rapid socio-economic development. The justice system needs the efforts of everyone. It is not just for the justice department alone. It requires the input of everyone. Not the Police or justice department alone. Every individual has a role to play. There is need to collaborate with the police.
“You collaborate by giving the police credible information. By giving credible intelligence to police for effective operations. Other areas of collaboration are by providing us with logistics to carry out our operations effectively. Members of the public should also ensure that when there are cases in court they follow up. When cases are brought to court, most of the complainants are reluctant and, at the end of the day, they say they are no longer interested in the case.”
At the same event, the federal government expressed appreciation for the media’s vital role in supporting the Nigeria Police Force to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians. The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, made this commendation. She highlighted the partnership between the media and law enforcement agencies in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
Suleiman-Ibrahim emphasized the significant contribution of the media in informing the public and collaborating with security agencies. She credited the media’s commitment to responsible reporting as key to shaping public perception, raising awareness on crime prevention, and promoting community involvement.
“The media’s coverage of security initiatives has helped not only to raise awareness about the importance of community involvement in crime prevention but also to provide a platform for us to share our message with a wider audience,” she said. “We are grateful for your dedication to fact-based reporting, which has built trust and credibility in our collective efforts.”
The minister conveyed special thanks on behalf of President Bola Tinubu to individual journalists and media outlets for their in-depth coverage of security issues. She commended their professionalism and passion for storytelling, which she said has greatly contributed to keeping Nigerians safe.
“I want to specially recognize all men and women of the Nigerian Police Force who are working tirelessly to protect lives and properties,” she added.
Suleiman-Ibrahim also reiterated the Ministry of Women Affairs’ commitment to continued collaboration with the media in the fight against crime, ensuring a safer and more just society for all.
“The role of the media in crime reportage is multifaceted and crucial in shaping public perception and influencing societal responses to crime.”
On his part, chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, emphasized that corruption continues to be one of the most persistent challenges undermining all sectors and institutions in Nigeria, particularly affecting policy, decision-making and governance.
Aliyu made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the 2024 CRAN lecture. He highlighted the debilitating role of corruption in destabilizing Nigeria’s justice and security systems.
Aliyu stressed that, while enforcement is crucial, a comprehensive, proactive approach, including prevention, deterrence, and systems reform, is necessary to effectively combat corruption. He noted that corruption not only impedes the efficient mobilization and utilization of resources but also compromises policy execution and service delivery.
The ICPC chairman further pointed out that the justice system struggles with various institutional, funding, infrastructural and human resource challenges. A key issue, he said, was insufficient budget allocation, which has resulted in inefficient court administration, poor management of court processes and lack of technological support. He also highlighted widespread corruption, including bribery and influence peddling, which hinders the effectiveness of the justice system.
Aliyu criticized the justice sector for its limited use of technology, such as electronic filing and digital record-keeping, which he described as a “sad commentary” in the modern era. He also raised concerns about inadequate court infrastructure, prison overcrowding, and poor work conditions for judiciary officers.
Additionally, Aliyu discussed socio-cultural challenges, including disparities in access to justice based on wealth, social status and language barriers. He pointed out the inefficiencies in managing criminal justice institutions, with slow implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) of 2015.
The ICPC chairman proposed both short-term and long-term solutions to address the challenges, including the adoption of automation and digitalization in the justice system, improved case management and regular training for judicial officers. Long-term solutions focus on comprehensive judicial reforms, legislative changes, improved access to justice for marginalized groups, and tackling the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty and unemployment.
Aliyu also emphasized the importance of strengthening institutions and improving accountability, calling for enhanced surveillance, better infrastructure and more effective community policing to address insecurity.
In conclusion, Aliyu reiterated that corruption prevention, behavioral change, and robust institutional frameworks were crucial to overcoming the challenges facing Nigeria’s justice and security systems. He called for more resources and support for the ICPC’s efforts to drive systemic change and build a more just and secure society.
Chairman of the Supreme Council of Owu Obas, Oba Adekunle Makama Oyelude, the Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Osun State, also urged CRAN to support law enforcement agencies in the fight against criminal elements.
He commended the dedication of members of the association in the discharge of their duties, but urged them to do more work.
The monarch said, “As you all know, our country is challenged by the myriads of security challenges over the years. I want to acknowledge what the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria has been doing collectively and individually to report crime and follow to logical conclusion; they should also know that the reward of hard work is more work.
“Towards this end, I will implore you that, more than ever, you work with the law enforcement agencies and well-meaning individuals in order to rid the country of undesirable elements fomentting trouble”.
CRAN president, Lekan Olabulo, said that, :Recidivism, hydra-headed monster, has become a significant source of concern in Nigeria. The fact that criminals and convicts are recycled, returning to a life of crime after being arrested and prosecuted, is a stark reminder of a failing system.
“This has not only emboldened criminals but also discouraged security operatives, exposing them to grave dangers from unrepentant criminals. Many security agents have paid the ultimate price, killed, and others injured, after being identified by criminals who found their early way out of correctional centres.
“These criminals mobilised and attacked security operatives who unknowingly found themselves in the midst of the criminal fray.
“The scourge of recidivism has become a cancer, eating deep into the fabric of society. It is a ticking time bomb, waiting to unleash its deadly consequences on our collective security.
“Despite the discouragement, our security agents remain resolute, committed to their duties, and deserving of our commendation,” he added.
“The time for rhetoric is over; it’s time for action. We need to support our security agents, provide them with the necessary resources and protection to do their jobs effectively. We also need to reform our justice system, make it more responsive to the needs of our society, and ensure that criminals are held accountable for their actions. The era of recycling criminals must end; it’s time to put an end to recidivism.”
