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Experts Demand Criminal Justice System Reform

Some Nigerian legal experts have called for a reform of the nation’s criminal justice system to enable judges serve justice speedily to both the rich … Continue reading Experts Demand Criminal Justice System Reform


Criminal justice

Criminal justiceSome Nigerian legal experts have called for a reform of the nation’s criminal justice system to enable judges serve justice speedily to both the rich and the poor in the society.

According to the experts who spoke at a forum in Abuja during the week, the current criminal justice system favours the rich who commit huge financial crimes as against the poor.

It was a gathering of legal experts to identify with their colleague, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who had written a book, “Oiling The Wheels of Justice In Nigeria”.

As the title suggests, the experts analysed the structure of Nigeria’s justice system and its impact on the nation’s democracy.

According to Professor of Law at the University of Jos, who was also the Keynote Presenter, Joash Amupitan, reforming Nigeria’s criminal justice system would not only speed up justice administration, it would also reduce impunity.

A reform in the system, according to the group of professionals, would help to prevent what they called “time buying technique” often adopted by the rich to escape justice.

In the last three years, efforts have been made to reform the judiciary, especially in relations to electoral matters.

Experts say such reforms which have sped up hearing in the election tribunals should also be introduced in criminal procedures.