CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday said that the criminal justice system in Nigeria is weak and sick and needs all hands to be on deck to redeem it.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that IGP Egbetokun stated this in Lagos at the 2024 Annual Lecture/Award Ceremony of Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria, (CRAN), and charged Nigerians to help revive the system.
The Police boss, who was represented by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that people should stop blaming the Police because the Police is not the only pillar or stakeholder in the criminal justice system in Nigeria.
“We have challenges, we accept, but we will try our best to make sure we have a better system. All of us must come together to help perfect criminal justice or justice system administration in Nigeria.”
“The government has made the ACJA 2015 and other laws but the problem we always face is that we always confuse ourselves and we are full of sentiments”, he added.
“Cyber crime is there since 2015. The provision is there that if you say certain things online it is an offence. Nigerians must know that an offence has been committed.”
On the #EndBadGovernance, Adejobi urged lawyers to stop confusing Nigerians on the issue of the arrested minors, saying there is a difference between a protester and a criminal.
He stated that anyone who is more than 7 years old can be charged to court and be prosecuted for committing crime.
“Thank God the President gave them pardon. We would have continued with the case”, Adejobi added.
The President of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Comrade Olalekan Olabulo, in his opening address, identified recidivism as a major threat to the fight against insecurity.
Olabulo stated that recidivism, which he described as a hydra-headed monster, has become a significant source of concern for security agents in Nigeria.
He noted that 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 out of correctional centres.”
“These criminals mobilised and attacked security operatives, who unknowingly found themselves in the midst of the criminal fray.”
Olabulo noted that the scourge Of recidivism has become a cancer, eating deep into the fabric of society.
“It’s 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.” he stated.
The event was attended by traditional ruler, the Olowu Kuta of Kuta, Osun State, HRH Oba Dr. Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelade, who was the Royal Father of the day, AIG Zone 2, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, Attorney General of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro SAN, CP Lagos State and other top security agency officers in Nigeria including journalists from different media houses in Nigeria.