The IGP explained that like a sick person who seeks medical help from a doctor, the nation’s criminal justice system also needs to be revived.
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, stated this at the 2024 Annual Lecture/Award Ceremony, organised by the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN).
Egbetokun, who was represented by the Force spokesperson, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, said: “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.
He told Nigerians to stop blaming the police
“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.”
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, said corruption remains one of the most persistent challenges affecting all sectors and institutions of the Nigerian society, undermining policy-decision making.
He said: “Corruption undermines resource mobilisation and utilisation, 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 said the Justice System Administration faces institutional, funding, infrastructural, human resources, and socio-cultural challenges.
According to the ICPC boss, “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.”