Urgent Reform Needed in Nigeria’s Justice System, IGP Says

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has stated that Nigeria’s judicial system requires assistance to be resurrected because it is not functioning optimally.
Egbetokun stated that it was incorrect to blame simply the police, who are only one component of a larger justice system that has to be revived in order to function efficiently.

Speaking at the 2024 Annual Lecture/Award Ceremony conducted by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN), Egbetokun acknowledged that the police face issues.

The IGP, represented by Force Headquarters Spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reaffirmed the Police’s commitment to being the best in the country.

“The criminal justice system in this country is supported by more than just the police.

We accept the challenges, however we will do our utmost to improve the 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, working with important stakeholders, has proven that combating corruption successfully across industries and institutions necessitates a proactive, multifaceted strategy. “This approach should include not only enforcement, but also prevention, deterrence, and system reform,” he said.