The International Human Rights Commission–Relief Fund Trust (IHRC-RFT) Nigeria Office has called for an urgent review of Nigeria’s criminal justice system, particularly in the handling of suspects facing serious criminal allegations.
The Country Director of IHRC-RFT Nigeria Office and Security Affairs Analyst, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, made the call in a press release, expressing concern over cases where suspects accused of offences such as murder, kidnapping and armed robbery are allegedly released shortly after being arraigned before the courts.
Adamu acknowledged the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in arresting suspects, conducting investigations, gathering evidence and presenting suspects before the courts for prosecution.
He, however, said public concern is increasingly focused on what happens after suspects are brought before the justice system.
“In some cases, individuals facing serious allegations such as murder, kidnapping, armed robbery and other grave offences are arrested, investigated and taken to court, only for them to be released back into society after a short period,” he said.
According to him, while the rights of suspects must be protected and every accused person is entitled to due process and a fair hearing, such protections should not undermine the rights of victims or threaten public safety.
He stressed the need for relevant authorities to carefully consider factors including the seriousness of alleged offences, potential risks to the public, the possibility of suspects absconding, intimidating witnesses or interfering with evidence, in accordance with the law.
The IHRC-RFT Country Director therefore called on the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, State Attorneys-General, Commissioners for Justice, the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, State Chief Judges and other stakeholders in the justice sector to urgently examine the situation.
He said relevant authorities should investigate systemic challenges that may be contributing to the situation and take appropriate corrective measures to strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
“The police are doing their part; the justice system must also ensure that the efforts and sacrifices of security personnel do not go to waste,” Adamu said.
He added that while suspects’ rights must be respected, victims must also be protected, security agencies’ efforts recognised, and anyone found guilty must face the punishment prescribed by law.
According to him, arresting a suspect is only the first step, while delivering justice remains the ultimate objective.