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This paper does lament whatever had happened to North Central Nigeria, and in particular, Benue's, Plateau's, and Southern Kaduna's glorious past, and the abysmal state of Nigeria's civilization inherited from British colonial masters, with its attendant effects such as insecurity and underdevelopment most especially on the sampled area and the continent at large. The paper, through an exegesis of select historical facts and texts, reports, and journals, has explored via a desk and textual study, an objective explication for an unpacking of the inherent mischiefs caused by the apparent harmful retributive system of justice inherited from the colonial criminal justice system. Thereafter, the prognosis of the problematics of the retributive justice system in Nigeria, and of the vicious cycles of the conflicts, is addressed through an unveiling of the gaps in the retributive justice system, which hitherto has focused more on the offender, to the detriment of the victim(s), and society, is underscored. These dialectics for peacebuilding, conflict management/transformation, and mutual trust would be reached through (re)negotiation, and (re)visiting of the Nigerian criminal justice system, with a focus on the restorative justice system by advocating for the full entrenchment of the formidable Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 in all the States of the Federation for the development of Nigerians and African's scions globally. Where the emphasis is now hinged on "victim-offender-mediation" and lessons are drawn from the Wajir Peace Development Committee (in Northeastern Kenya) cum the Plateau model as a panacea to the unending vicious cycle of conflicts and reprisals in our societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plea bargaining is one of the procedural tools introduced into the Nigerian Criminal Justice System to ensure quick dispensation of justice, save time and resources that would have been spent on a trial, and solve the problem of prison congestion in the country. This paper examines the application of this procedural tool in the administration of justice in corruption cases in Nigeria. It argues that plea bargaining is used by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) mainly to recover looted resources from the culprits without giving due consideration to the provisions of the law and the essence and purposes that punishment serves. Also, the application of plea bargaining in various corruption cases has resulted in lighter punishments for the culprits. The paper draws on Deterrence Theory to argue that the way plea bargaining is being applied in corruption cases may encourage corrupt practices, rather than deter offending. Therefore, to achieve a reasonable outcome in fighting corruption in Nigeria, the rule of law must be upheld. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Custodial congestion still persists as one of the biggest challenges to Nigeria's Criminal Justice System. This is attributed to the operation ineptitudes of the Nigerian police force which employs means such as holding charges. This paper examines the practice of holding charges in Nigeria as a major contributor to the congestion of correctional facilities in Nigeria. This paper contends that the practice of holding charges is unconstitutional; in violation of the principles of fair hearing; and presumption of innocence and merely a means of administrative expediency. This paper concludes that the practice of holding charge in Nigeria undermines the rights of accused persons and calls for urgent reforms to the Nigerian criminal justice system to ensure that the protection of human rights is in tandem with the basic international human rights laws which mandate States to respect and ensure everybody's right to personal liberty and security, and therefore, proffer some policy recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to show how fighting financial crime suffered a setback in Nigeria as a result of the Supreme Court ruling in an appeal case – Ude Jones Udeogu v FRN and Ors no SC. 622C/2019. Design/methodology/approach: This paper is a critical analysis of the implication of Supreme Courts' ruling in Ude Udeogu Jones, its implication to law enforcement's effort in fighting financial crime and the way to get around the ruling. The paper adopts qualitative methods. It is conducted through the analysis of the ruling and the relevant laws. Findings: Due to the ruling in UdeUdeogu Jones, Section 396(7) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 is no longer good law. Federal High Court judges elevated to the Court of Appeal no longer have special dispensation to conclude criminal cases they part heard. Furthermore, the ruling is a serious setback on the law enforcement's efforts in fighting corruption. However, the drastic effect of the ruling can be mitigated by amending Section 396(7). Research limitations/implications: Because the ruling is very recent, analysis is based on the relevant enactments and case laws including recent decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. Originality/value: There is no comprehensive work on this ruling. Therefore, this paper adds value to knowledge as it makes clear the background of the appeal case, as well as the impact of the ruling of the Supreme Court on fighting financial crime in Nigeria and the way to get around the ruling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic violence is a phenomenon which has caused so much concern in society and generated intense debates among policymakers, civil society activists and scholars. It is, therefore, no surprise that it is attracting so much scholarly attention lately. Despite the wide interest it has generated, an appropriate response grounded in law to tackle the scourge has defied logic. The situation even gets more complicated when other societal values such as marriage are present between the parties. So many (legal) mechanisms have been put in place in response to domestic violence. These responses are primarily grounded in law, mainly involving the criminal justice or legal system. Specifically, the typical response has been the use of the law and criminal justice approach. Despite the many advantages of the common approach, questions arise regarding its suitability for married partners. Indeed, recent concerns have arisen, especially in family law jurisprudence, regarding the need to preserve the institution of marriages, especially for domestic violence cases which are 'resolvable'. This is because, in many cases, the common approach mainly results in the breakdown of marriages. Thus, the partial decriminalisation approach has begun to gain wide attention, especially in domestic violence cases between married partners. The objective of this paper is to analyse the various responses to domestic violence and their implication for the sustainability of marriages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The world is moving into an uncertain future and one does not need a crystal ball to agree that uncertainty stares the whole world in the face; one only need reference the global pandemic caused by the dreaded corona virus. Famously, for a long time it has been known that when America sneezes the whole world catches a cold, but this time china Coughed and the whole globe was affected. Nigeria was not spared and neither were its security apparatus spared nor the Criminal Justice Administration (CJA) which struggled to cope with the new challenges that surfaced due to the pandemic. In this entire viral hurricane witnessed globally how did the Criminal Justice Administration (CJA) and its attendant legal framework in Nigeria fare? This paper has as its focal point to review said legal framework viz a viz attendant challenges leading to a call for better application of the legal framework to the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria hoping that lessons were learnt from mistakes made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pre-colonial African communities were ethnically and culturally diverse with no single dominant ethnic and religious group. Unwritten customary law and procedures were the means by which local communities resolved disputes in the absence of state authority. The laws were based on a common cultural belief and ethical codes that generate a binding regulation on members. Communities adopted this model to impose sanctions against violators and resolve disputes arising among members through various mechanisms. However, the introduction of a new justice system by the colonialists completely interrupted the indigenous system. Today, the indigenous justice system in many African countries is restricted to handling only civil matters through the application of ADR to address some of the challenges facing the contemporary justice system. This paper argues that the customary justice procedure can be adopted in criminal matters as a model that seeks to understand and address the realities of the social causes of crime. The paper concludes that the two systems of justice can complement each other to restore public confidence in the system by catering for the loss suffered by victims rather than focusing on the offenders and offence, bringing justice closer to people without any stress, reintegrating offenders back into the society and ensuring social harmony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender-based violence is a phenomenon deeply rooted in gender inequality and continues to be a notable human rights violation within all societies. Gender-based violence is violence directed against a person because of their gender. Both women and men experience gender-based violence, but most victims are women and girls. Nigerian women and girls have witnessed incessant violence attacks related to gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The study focuses on gender violence targeted against women and girls in Lagos, Nigeria. The paper is based on ecological approach to gender-based violence, which argues that no one factor alone causes violence, but rather that many factors combine to raise the likelihood that a particular man in a particular setting acts violently towards a woman. The study adopted a qualitative methodology. An interview technique was used for data collection. Sixty-five participants were purposively selected for the interview due to their vast knowledge on the topic under study. Findings reveal that domestic violence hinders full inclusion and participation of women in social life; violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal power relations between men and women, which led to domination over and discrimination against women by men, perpetrators of violence are a minority group of mentally ill men; poverty or idleness leads to attacks on and abuse of women; violence against women is caused by drug and alcohol abuse. Recommendations include the need to equip gender-based violence first responders to enhance their capacities in assisting and providing services to the victims. Survivors should establish partnerships and collaboration with law enforcement officials, both nationally and internationally in addressing sexual violence. Furthermore, the is a need for specialised courts to prosecute gender-based violence offenders, and the court and the criminal justice system should implement stringent penalties for offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2015 Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) has set Nigeria on the path of adopting a more technology-driven criminal justice administration. Prior to its enactment after several years of consideration, there had been only episodic use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities in criminal proceedings. This paper examines Nigeria's Criminal Justice Administration (CJA) in light of the ACJA's innovative provisions with a view to furthering the application of ICT facilities. It is hoped that ICT might be integrated throughout the CJA as it currently operates in Nigeria so as to promote the effective and efficient automated administration of criminal justice. In the new era of social distancing given the COVID-19 pandemic, such reform is submitted to be imperative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary purpose of this paper is to examine the multidimensional challenges inhibiting the fight against corruption in Nigeria. With emphasis on litigation as a tool for fighting corruption, the paper reveals factors that contribute to corruption in Nigeria and efforts being made to combat it. It evaluates the adequacy and effectiveness of the legal framework and prosecution of corruption cases in Nigeria. The paper argues that the failure of the Nigerian State to effectively combat corruption is not attributable to inadequate or lack of enabling legal framework. While recognizing the right of persons standing trial for corruption to a fair trial and meaningful day in court, it also highlights various challenges confronting defence counsel before and during trial of persons standing trial for corruption. Finally, the paper recommends how corruption can be controlled in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The loss of an estimated $4.5 billion in 2020 by Nigeria to petroleum pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft has necessitated a critical assessment of the legal frameworks for the prevention of petroleum pipeline vandalism in Nigeria. This paper utilizes source materials relating to the title by examining the impacts of existing legal frameworks for the prevention of petroleum pipeline vandalization in Nigeria. It x-rays amongst others the provisions of sections 2 and 7 of the Petroleum Production and Distribution (Anti-Sabotage) Act and Miscellaneous Offences Act which imposes the death penalty and life imprisonment with the aim of deterring offenders without creating a court to try offenders. It reveals that in the face of such stringent sanctions, the activities of petroleum pipeline vandalism have continued unabated albeit a thriving business that is likely to arm the Nigerian economy in COVID-19 pandemic era. In addition, with an already perceived "compromised" criminal justice system, the paper concludes by advocating for change in policy strategy that will include the creation of a special court by amending existing legal frameworks to try offenders of the activities of petroleum pipeline vandalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complexity of awaiting-trialproblems in Nigeria particularly in Ebonyi State has been researched and documented by many scholars. One of the glaring outcomes of these problems is overstretching of prison facilities. This paper discusses how the use of 'noncustodial measure and independent body' will improve the Nigerian criminal justice system to attain substantial efficacy in dispensing justice. Using qualitative and quantitative research approaches, a sample of1498 respondents comprising 623 awaiting-trial inmates, 617 police officers, 145 prison officers and 113 court staff was drawn from Ebonyi state. Multi-stage and purposive sampling techniques were used to reach the respondents. Questionnaire and in-depth interviews were instruments for data collection. The quantitative data were descriptively analyzed using percentages and charts while thematic method of analysis was employed in the qualitative data. We found that keeping accused persons in prison longer than necessary is traumatic to suspects and expensive to government. This paper proposes the use of noncustodial measures in crime cases where keeping suspects in prisons would produce no fruitful impact. The paper also calls for the creation of an independent body that will be fundamental in monitoring the different criminaljustice agencies and holding them accountable and ensuring that the goals of the system are achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the current challenges of the current penal system in Nigeria, including its inability to effectively deter the commission of crimes and re-offending rates, stakeholders in the criminal justice system have made calls for an alternative response. One possible alternative is making greater use of Restorative Justice (RJ). This is due to the perceived similarities between RJ and pre-colonial restorative practices in Nigeria. Before colonial rule, the main objective of the pre-colonial justice systems was to restore social safety with little or no recourse to the use of extreme punishments like imprisonment or the death penalty. This paper first conducts a historical exploration of the justice systems in the Igbo communities in pre-colonial eastern Nigeria as a case study. It proceeds to conduct a comparative analysis between RJ and the aforementioned pre-colonial Igbo justice systems and concludes that they both share similar principles and practices. These findings provide the foundation for the argument that RJ can functions as a 21st century alternative and for its integration into rehabilitation programmes in Nigerian prisons. This paper concludes with recommendations for its implementation in the Nigeria penal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As essential area of criminology, crime victims have really never been accorded due recognition in Nigeria. It is in this regard that this paper discusses the Nigerian criminal justice system and the issue of victim neglect in Enugu urban. Using qualitative and quantitative research approaches, a sample of 604 respondents were drawn from Enugu urban. Multi-stage and purposive sampling techniques were used to reach the respondents. Data from both questionnaires and in-depth interviews were collected. We found that most crime victims are highly neglected and there is a lack of cordial relationship between the police and crime victims in Enugu urban. The study recommends the need to consider civil aspect of cases when passing judgments so that crime victims would not lose on two folds, but get partially compensated for their losses. The study also calls for judges to speed up adjudication processes in order not to draw cases to elastic limit where crime victims lose faith in the criminal justice system?. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the panoramic view of the criminal justice reform agenda in Nigeria, the plea bargaining procedure is yet to be fully recognized as a major intervention strategy to deal with the problems in the Nigerian criminal justice administration. This paper therefore conceptualized the concept of plea bargaining. The legal basis for plea, the justifications for plea as well as the merits and demerits of the plea are discussed. The paper also highlights the major problems afflicting criminal justice administration and examines the steps being taken to deal with the problems. The emphasis is on strengthening arguments for a mutual acceptance of plea bargaining as a credible exist strategy by both the state and an alleged offender. The way forward in form of recommendations for the expansion and institutionalization of the practice is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates the influence of the family on crime in Nigeria, and emphasizes how conformance/non-conformance to family values have induced an expansion on the spaces of crime. Focusing on the Ibibio people of South-South Nigeria, this qualitative survey study adopts the sociostuctural explanation of crime. Relying on simple percentage for data analysis, emerging data reveal the notion that familism emphasizes loyalty, trust, integrity, unity, progress and defence of family values. It notes that the changing societal attitudes to family values have led to the emergence of new spaces of crime. The paper concludes that police deployment, the resort to self-help and enforcement of conformity reactionary to the emerging crime problem have induced the emergence of new frontiers of anti-social activities which are not explicitly mainstreamed within extant crime management realities. It recommends the imperativeness of proper evolution of the criminal justice system for coping with the emerging trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complexity of crimes is growing daily. In Nigeria, new wave of offenders are killing citizens and breaking most parts of the criminal codes without an efficient system to bring them to justice. This wave is herdsmen terrorism and this paper discusses how application of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) will improve the Nigerian criminal justice system to accommodate the terror crimes and bring the offenders to justice. The research is underscored by the Malthusian Theory of population and data were secondarily sourced from newspaper publications, journal articles, textbooks, and technological blogs. The article recommends integration of VR and AR into the Nigerian criminal justice system and allocation of funds for training of agencies involved in the administration of justice in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the challenges confronting the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria with a view to underscore its implication with regards to the prevalence of kidnapping. In order to achieve the objective of the study, qualitative method - in-depth interviews and key informant interviews were utilized in generating data from 60 interviewees. The qualitative data generated from the study was analyzed using a manual content analysis. The study shows that corruption, inadequate court rooms and facilities, poor working condition, frequency in the transfer of police officers, uncooperative attitude of GSM operators, delay emanating from legal practitioners and Director of public prosecution, as well as lack of operating vehicles were some of the major challenges confronting the administration of criminal justice in the prosecution of kidnap cases. Based on the findings, it is recommended that government should stop paying lip service to the fight against corruption but instead take concrete steps to stem the rising tide. Besides a review of the conditions of service of the police, prison and judicial officers, there is the need to provide functional vehicles to the various prison authorities as well as renovating and refurbishing dilapidated buildings and furniture in the various courts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The controversy surrounding the exclusion of evidence in criminal trials has continued with renewed vigour. At one end are those who believe that a piece of evidence should be admitted based solely on its inherent epistemic value without reference to any other external considerations. At the other end are those who contend that criminal justice systems are meant to serve many societal ideals of which the search for truth is only one, and that criminal trials must be designed to ensure balanced resolutions of all conflicting interests. Naturally, legal systems across the world exemplify these divergencies with many variations along the spectrum regarding the scope of the exclusionary powers of the fact finder or court and the justifications for such powers. This article sets out to analyse the illegally or improperly obtained evidence exclusion regimes in the United States, Canada, Nigeria and Australia, and their respective levels of commitment to the search for truth. This article provides an insightful frame of comparative reference for stakeholders in these jurisdictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper surveyed the changing character of traditional judicial processes, decision-making and judgment delivery in traditional tribunals from the 20th to the 21st centuries through participantobservation and oral interview in Ìbàdàn, Nigeria. It was established in the survey that while some traditional methods disappear, some persist with acceptable moderation as operators of these traditional tribunals adapt to, and in accommodating changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in conflict resolution. It is suggested that people and the judiciary benefit greatly from the dynamism of these tribunals, and it is apposite that legislation is put in place to enhance the performance and fluidity of traditional practices in a modern judicial enterprise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In every society, deviant behaviour is inevitable and, as a result of its adverse consequences, ought to be taken seriously. Nations have formulated rules and regulations which constitute the penal policies towards the administration and dispensation of criminal justice in the effort to punish as well as reform criminal-minded individuals. The provision of library information resources to cater for the information needs of prison inmates as reformatory tool for their psychological well-being during incarceration has not been given adequate attention in Nigeria prison system. A survey study with structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the sampled 600 prison inmates, out of which 357 inmates responded. The population of the study comprised prisons with two (2) functional libraries. These two (2) prison libraries were chosen through purposive sampling from the total number of all the convict inmates. Prison inmates were classified based on the type of offence committed and duration of prison term. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics of, correlation and multiple regression analyses. The study revealed that there was significant multiple correlation among information needs, and psychological well-being of the inmates (R=0.665.p< 0.05). This study observed that information needs of prison inmates are diverse. The study concluded that government must fund the provision of adequate information resources and that the services of professional librarians must be engaged to source for relevant information resources in order to satisfy the information needs of prison inmates in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the current innovation introduced by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) in the trial of criminal cases which has purportedly extinguished trial de novo. It argues that based on extant case law and the provisions of the Constitution, section 396(7) of the ACJA is null and void, therefore it cannot achieve the intended purpose. This article adopts doctrinal research methodology focusing on the meaning and circumstances in which trial de novo would be invoked and its legal implications as well as the difference between trial de novo and appeal. It argues that unless the Constitution that creates the courts is amended as contemplated under section 9 thereof, the purported extinction of trial de novo by the ACJA cannot be achieved despite the good intention as the elevation to High Court judge robs him of jurisdiction to preside over a dispute as a trial judge. It found that the ACJA does not envisage cases of retirement and death of a trial judge or magistrate which are causes of trial de novo. It identifies alternatives to trial de novo under the 2011 Evidence Act and makes a case for their adoption as done by the Indian courts. It recommends that the relevant sections of the Constitution be amended wherein the mischief sought to be cured by the ACJA can then be legally achieved just as it was in the case of the National Industrial Court via the 1999 CFRN (Third Alteration) Act 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Despite the reforms in the Nigerian Criminal Justice System (NCJS), the treatment of inmates still falls below standard, with the vast majority of them on awaiting trial. Thus, this study critically examined the feasibility of adopting Virtual and Augmented Realities (VAR) as a framework that could effectively redirect policy and action. Following a cross-sectional survey research design, a sample of 1,498 comprising 623 awaiting-trial inmates, 617 police officers, 145 prison officers, and 113 court officials was drawn from NCJS, Ebonyi State Chapter. Multistage, purposive, snowball and census sampling techniques were used to reach the respondents, who completed the structured questionnaire. The study is founded on the predictions of institutional anomie and regulatory capture theories. In testing the hypotheses, regression results showed that, as the plight of awaiting trial inmates worsens, the need for the adoption of VAR in custodial centres also increased. Contingency table revealed that 260(41.73%) inmates were of the opinion that VAR could help address the challenges and problems, while the Chi-Square statistics indicated that educational qualification of awaiting trial inmates will not influence their views on the introduction of this technology. These findings point to the fact that VAR could be a state-of-the-art technology that holds great promise for correcting maladaptive behaviours among inmates and checkmating procedural laxities in the NCJS for better outcomes in the treatment and reintegration of inmates. We therefore, advocate the amendment of the Nigerian Criminal Justice Act 2015 to include VAR as a curative measure to the plight of awaiting trial inmates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional methods of dealing with crimes among the early Nigerian communities accommodated the crime victim as a necessary party in the process. With the introduction of the English criminal justice system to Nigeria, the victim ceased to be a necessary party to trials. This article investigates the treatment of the victim in the two periods. With the aid of doctrinal methodology, the study finds the traditional method to be more comforting to the victim than the modern system. The article recommends reincorporating those aspects that are victim-friendly into the present Nigerian criminal justice system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The police occupy a very important position in the entire criminal justice system in Nigeria. The nature of police relationship with the people and the manner in which the public were handled at the station and on the street daily within the community affects the way the people perceive them and the level of cooperation they get from the people in curbing crime in the society. The study took place in Zaria, Kaduna state, Northern Nigeria. A study population was the police in Zaria. Three police stations (Zaria City, Sabon Gari, and Samaru police stations) were purposively selected reflecting the socio-cultural and demographic backgrounds of Zaria residence and population. The Divisional Police officers and police officers in-charge of crime were interviewed. The police crime and incidence records were examined while the general conduct and social atmosphere of the police and police stations were observed. Using in-depth interview, observational method, and police records, it was discovered that the socio-economic status of suspects affected how they were treated by the police in the police stations studied. Also, the environment suspect lives affected how they were treated too by the police. It was recommended that the police make the rule of law their guide in the handling of suspects in the police stations irrespective of socio-demographic variable or area of habitation of the suspects. Police brutality and violations of citizen's rights should be checked by senior police officers, while community-policing style should be implemented across communities in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decade or so, the subject of plea bargaining has assumed a, hitherto lacking, currency and has become more topical in Nigeria. This owes to the activities of the anti-corruption agencies which have, of recent, tended to use it in the resolution of cases. This increased use has resulted in outrage and condemnation of the practice. In order to ameliorate the perceived abuse of the practice of plea bargaining, the new criminal procedure statute, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (ACJA), attempts to make comprehensive provisions to guard against its abuse. This article critically assesses the provisions of the ACJA on plea bargaining. It finds that the provisions are unduly broad, verbose and clumsy. Many are superfluous and overlap with others. It suggests an amendment of the statute in order to streamline such provisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a green criminological perspective, this study examined the dynamics of foreigners and local actors in Nigeria's forests belts, specifically with regards to deforestation and criminality in agrarian communities. It also highlighted the security lapses and manoeuvring strategies of suspects and arrested foreigners held in custody in the Nigerian Criminal Justice System for violating forest laws. Data collected for the study was basically qualitative, among fifty-five (55) respondents in selected forest belts connecting South and Western Nigeria. It was discovered that a strong network of syndicates (often foreigners with local accomplices) capitalized on the prevailing economic recession and on the high level of unemployment in the country to lure young able-bodied men and women into environmental crime for survival. This is evidenced by the indiscriminate lumbering of precious economic trees that are not fully matured by law for exportation to the international market. These activities have often overwhelmed security personnel, while few foreigners caught; often find their ways out of the Nigerian criminal justice system. The study concluded that there is the urgent need for security operatives to intensify their searchlights on illegal activities of foreigners and local collaborators in the Nigerian forest belts to curtail green crime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores autochthonous methods of policing and law enforcement in the community, and the perception of indigenes of the efficacy of these methods. Qualitative methods were adopted, involving the use of in-depth interview technique with indigenes: namely, members of a youth forum, community leaders, and elders. Findings show that offences in Okposi community may be classified into two types: abominations, and torts, while the indigenous crime prevention and control structure involves Ndi Uke (a community male elders' council), Unyom Okposi (a council of female elders), Ndi Okenye (village elders' council), and Ndi Okorobia (youths). Fear of the inevitability of spiritual consequences from the gods appears to be a good source of crime deterrence. Traditional methods of policing were deemed more effective in relation to crime control. It is recommended that the Nigerian police should continue to take advantage of cordial relationships with the community to enhance peace, security, and justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Nigeria today, some aspects of our constitution give immunity clause to serving political office holders which prevents them from being prosecuted in a court of law over alleged offences against the state committed while in office until after their tenure. This immunity clause has led to an alarming rate of executive lawlessness and official corruption in the corridors of power by Nigerian political ruling class as they continually abuse these privileges with high sense of impunity. Their associates and friends also enjoy unofficial immunity as they recklessly flaunt existing laws. This, many a times, goes without any form of punishment to serve as deterrent to other potential offenders. It often precipitates more abuse in the polity. Yet, while the Nigerian courts mockingly and seemingly ruthlessly deal with the poor, the rich are patronisingly pampered and most times, evade justice. Though the Nigerian constitution guarantees justice and equality for all citizens, a lot of people, especially the poor and vulnerable, are still unable to get access to justice in the country. While the poor get rotten in prison for many years in the course of trial, soft landing mechanism is devised for the rich - just to return a fraction of the looted money and go home. This study therefore, interrogates the content and context of elite immunity and its attendant culture of impunity that permeates the political environment in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission has been perceived as an ivory tower in both the fight against corruption in Nigeria and repositioning the financial mal-adjustment in the Nigeria economy. Since its establishment in 2004, the commission has wielded enormous power in tackling corrupt practices stemming from several convictions of alleged corrupt political officers, tales of trials but with little charges and sentence. The activities of the Commission have become increasingly complicated as a result of it dislodged external structural and functional influence in the administration of criminal justice. Governmental interference, poor leadership of the various successive leaders of the commission and the widespread belief that the disposition and manifestation of the leadership of the commission are politically motivated to favor all time ruling parties in Nigeria have created lacunas in their administration of criminal justice in Nigeria. This study which was anchored on the Structural Functionalist theory stressed that because the leadership of the commission is considered ineffective and lacks the confidence to fight corruption, there is a tendency that Nigeria survival cannot be sustained and for the activities of the commission to be effective and help achieve the survival of Nigeria, there must be a conscious effort by the commission to set aside leadership and ethnic sentiment and objectively fight corruption as it should be. The study concluded that the commission cannot solely fight corruption or ensuring a smooth administration of criminal justice in Nigeria because of the high political interference of the elite, poor leadership and the un-enabling environment of the commission to function and recommended that for the commission to achieved and surpass her current achievements, some level of independence is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the systemic failures of the Nigerian police force to unravel the mysteries surrounding homicides in the country, along with the security, social and political implications of the ongoing trend. The article draws on documented pieces of evidence of high-profile murders, along with the causes of the upsurge in murder incidences and the inhibitive factors relating to the investigative procedures of the police. The suitability of the theory of subaltern realism and the concept of third-world security predicaments in explaining the peculiarities of Nigeria’s internal security challenges is examined, along with the problems of the legitimacy of political regimes and weak borders. There is a need for the National Assembly of Nigeria to exercise its constituted powers in reawakening and supervising investigations into dormant cases of murder through its committees on police affairs, public safety and national security. The police should check its organisational failures, which may be related to using the wrong investigative approaches, low levels of information, limited resources, corrupt practices, and pressure to obtain quick results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is generally argued that criminal justice system is entrusted with the responsibility for controlling criminal behaviour and punishing the offenders. The process commences with the commission of a crime and continues with subsequent interventions by the law-enforcement agencies. However, many factors come into play in determining whether or not the whole process runs its full course, considering its inefficiency in recent times. Using a qualitative method, this article examines the effectiveness or otherwise of the newly introduced alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in terms of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, in order to ascertain whether or not the concept is comprehensive as a mechanism for protecting the victims, the accused person and society. The findings revealed that the current criminal justice system in Nigeria is poor, ineffective and in dire need of reform. The article therefore recommends, among other things, that Nigeria move away from the conventional retributive justice system and incorporate a restorative or reparative justice system. ADR should also be strengthened in order to provide for effective and timely dispute resolution that is able to support a modern economy. Furthermore, there should be more training courses for all the participants in the justice system, as training will serve to enhance the effective administration of criminal justice in Nigeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essence of incarceration is for correctional purposes, however, the ineffectiveness of the Nigeria Criminal Justice System (NCJS) have denied most suspects the privilege of enjoying these correctional privileges. This study therefore assessed the Nigeria criminal justice system and the problem of awaiting trial in Port Harcourt Maximum Prison, Rivers State. Three research questions were raised to guide the study. The study adopted the survey research design. An 18-item questionnaire captioned "Questionnaire on Nigeria criminal justice system and awaiting trial problem" (QNCJSWTP) was designed by the researchers and used in gathering data for the study. Data were gathered from one hundred and eighty seven (187) respondents consisting of inmates and warders. The respondents were purposively selected from Port Harcourt Maximum prison, Rivers State. The generated data were presented using charts and simple percentage. Findings indicated that, rigidity of the penal law, holding charges, and delay in the disposal of cases by the agencies of NCJS has contributed to the problem of awaiting trial in Port Harcourt Maximum Prison, Rivers State, Nigeria. The study recommended that, there should be more professional commitment, on the part of stakeholders, in order to check the rise in awaiting trial problem in Port Harcourt maximum Prison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Awaiting trial prisoners (ATPs) are represented in prisons globally, and may stay for long periods in detention. This group is however underrepresented in literature on incarcerated persons. We aim to explore the lived experiences of ATPs detained for prolonged years in a sub-Saharan country; examining what they make of their status and how their conditions have affected their wellbeing. Method: Eight inmates awaiting trial for armed robbery and murder offences, held for between 8 years and 15 years participated in a focus group discussion. Hermeneutic phenomenology guided the interpretation of transcripts. Result: ATPs recount disbelief and negative emotional experiences upon incarceration. Alienated and uncertain about their status, ATPs experience intensified distressful ruminations which impact wellbeing. ATPs re-rationalized incarceration and made social comparisons which breed poor perception of self. ATPs nonetheless recounted hopefulness, made favorable comparisons; and find consolation in religious beliefs. Conclusion: Prolonged years spent awaiting trial fuels a deterioration of wellbeing. Alternatives to incarceration are urgently needed for ATPs. Distressful experiences recalled by the inmates beg for the inclusiveness of ATPs in programs that promote wellbeing. The Good Lives Model holds potentials for building an inclusive framework to accommodate ATPs in prison interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]