The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has urged for immediate reforms in Nigeria’s justice system, noting that it is not operating at its full potential.
During the 2024 Annual Lecture and Award Ceremony organized by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Egbetokun highlighted the need for revitalization across the justice system, emphasizing that the challenges go beyond just the police force.
Force Headquarters Spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, speaking on behalf of IGP Egbetokun, acknowledged the obstacles faced by the police but reiterated their dedication to providing the best possible service to the country.
“Police is not the only pillar or stakeholder in the criminal justice system in this country. 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. If this system is working well; it is going to affect you, it is going to us,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, stated that corruption was a persistent challenge affecting all sectors in the country.
Aliyu noted that tackling corruption requires the effort of all stakeholders. He decried that Nigerian institutions are all affected by corruption undermining efficiency in service delivery.
“Corruption remains one of the most persistent challenges affecting all sectors and institutions of the Nigerian society, undermines policy-decision making, resource mobilization and utilization, policy execution and service delivery.
“Our experience at the ICPC in partnership with key stakeholders, has shown that tackling corruption effectively, across sectors and institutions, requires a proactive, multi-faceted approach. This approach should focus not only on enforcement but also on prevention, deterrence, and systems reform,” he stated.
The ICPC boss emphasized that the country’s judicial system has been inundated with bribery, influence peddling and attitudinal challenges.
“The widespread corruption within the justice system, including bribery, influence peddling and attitudinal challenges are more fundamental and daunting.
“I dare say that the justice sector remains a focal point of concern, particularly regarding bribery involving stakeholders in the justice sector, and despite limited public contact, judicial officials exhibit relatively high bribery prevalence, hence the need for targeted anti-corruption measures in this sector,” Daily Trust quoted him.
