Key stakeholders in the justice system have identified inadequate inter-agency collaboration within the nation’s judicial framework as the primary cause of the slow pace of justice administration in the country......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>
They also noted that the deficiency of modern technologies was a significant contributing factor to the substandard execution of justice in Nigerian courts and law enforcement procedures.
The experts stated this at the Network of Justice Reforms Teams (JTRTs) Conference organised by the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme of International IDEA in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Justice (FMoJ).
The JTRTs conference, spanning three days, united various criminal justice institutions to deliberate on justice sector reform, advocate for reform models, and establish new objectives for enhancing justice delivery in Nigeria.
Speaking at the end of the Conference, Project Manager Component 1 – Criminal Justice Reform of the RoLAC II Programme, International IDEA, Oluwatoyin Badejogbin, stressed need to speed up justice delivery and decongest the correctional facilities.
Badejogbin said it was evident that congestion in correctional facilities, delays in criminal case prosecutions, as well as civil justice proceedings, stem from the lack of coordination within the criminal justice system.
“When crucial agencies fail to communicate effectively with one another, critical aspects are overlooked. One agency expects the other to fulfil certain responsibilities, while the other anticipates reciprocal actions, resulting in a breakdown of processes,” Badejogbin said.
“For instance, when the police and the Department of Public Prosecution fail to synchronize their efforts, criminal case files may not be submitted, or they are not returned to the police with the essential legal guidance. Consequently, suspects languish in custody, with no clarity on the status of their cases, leading to prolonged detention in correctional facilities.
“However, when there is seamless cooperation between these agencies, such gaps are mitigated.”
The RoLAC II coordinator highlighted that the primary objective of the retreat was to identify existing gaps and address them effectively by the conclusion of the justice reform team session.
“We anticipate that critical actions will be formulated and implemented, particularly at the state level, following this justice reform team gathering,” he said.
Further elaborating on the retreat, Prof. Mohammed Tabiu, a facilitator with RoLAC II, emphasized the added advantage of inclusivity, as the retreat engaged not only stakeholders from the Judiciary but also various other entities in a coordinated manner.
“The emphasis on coordination, harmony, and collaboration rendered this retreat distinct.
“Throughout the three-day event, a diverse range of initiatives across states aimed at enhancing the administration of justice, particularly in criminal justice, were scrutinized.
“RoLAC has been striving to harmonize these developments among states, ensuring adequate support for optimal outcomes.
“The dissemination of lessons learned to other stakeholders will facilitate the widespread benefits of these endeavours across the country.”
