IGP Declares System “Weak and Sick”

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has sounded an alarm on the state of Nigeria’s criminal justice system, describing it as weak, sick, and in dire need of a comprehensive overhaul. Speaking through the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, at the 2024 Annual Lecture and Award Ceremony by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), the IGP urged collective responsibility to reform the system.

Key Highlights from the IGP’s Remarks:

  • The police are only one part of a larger, struggling justice system.
  • A call for all stakeholders to collaborate to perfect justice administration in Nigeria.
  • Emphasis on the systemic impact of a functional justice system on society.

ICPC Chairman Corroborates, Highlights Corruption

Adding to the discourse, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), emphasized corruption as a persistent challenge across all sectors, including justice.

ICPC Insights on the Justice System:

  • Corruption within the justice sector undermines resource mobilization, decision-making, and service delivery.
  • The system faces issues such as bribery, influence peddling, and attitudinal challenges among stakeholders.
  • Calls for a proactive, multi-faceted anti-corruption strategy focused on prevention, deterrence, and systems reform.

Challenges Hindering Justice Reform

  1. Institutional Weakness: Inadequate structures and funding.
  2. Human Resources: Poor training and attitudinal issues among personnel.
  3. Corruption: High levels of bribery and influence peddling among judicial officials.
  4. Socio-Cultural Barriers: Deep-rooted practices that undermine the justice system.

A Collective Responsibility

Both the IGP and ICPC Chairman agree that reforming Nigeria’s justice system requires the commitment of all stakeholders, including law enforcement, the judiciary, policymakers, and civil society.

Source: Punch