THE DILEMMA OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENTS IN THE REMIT OF ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria is both a heterogeneous and multi-cultural society as well as a country with a democratic system of government. Its constitution has a supreme status that is found on rule of law. Predicated on the foregoing, the administration of criminal justice is reflective of the diverse socio-cultural assortment of the society. Consequent on the later, the procedures for the administration of criminal laws and the enforcement of laws in general is laid down and codified in Nigeria. Often times, the procedures are not followed by law enforcement agencies. This has attracted a long held public condemnations and criticisms. Notwithstanding, the apparent challenges, the injustice pervades. It is against this backdrop, that the authors strive to examine the inter-relatedness of the strange but malignant issues in the administration of criminal justice in juxtaposition with the duties of the law enforcement agents in Nigeria. The paper argues that the significance of this approach will operate to narrowing the gap between the expectations of members of public and the performances of the law enforcement officers. The authors therefore maintains the need for a deliberate consummating policy-thrust involving legal reforms, training and retraining of the law enforcement agents for better service delivery in the overall attainment of justice, more particularly criminal justice, and holistic re-orientation as well as public enlightenment cum-crusade for members of the public, in order to be in abreast with the prevailing modern reality, encompassing and appreciative of the efforts of the law enforcement officers.