THE APPRAISAL OF THE STRUCTURE AND OPERATION OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

‎ PETER, UCHECHI PRECIOUS (2026) THE APPRAISAL OF THE STRUCTURE AND OPERATION OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN NIGERIA. Other thesis, GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY ENUGU..

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Abstract

The criminal justice system maintains law, order, public security as well as protects individual rights. In Nigeria, the criminal justice system is built around three major institutions: the police, the courts and the correctional service. These institutions are supported by numerous legislations. Even so, the criminal justice system continues to face operational difficulties. Therefore, this research examines the structure and operation of the criminal justice system in Nigeria with a view to identifying the extent to which its institutions and legal frameworks promote justice and social order. This research adopts a doctrinal methodology and it finds that there is an extensive framework for criminal justice in Nigeria. However, it is weakened by unlawful arrests, prolonged detention, torture, corruption, poor investigation, delay in criminal trials, congestion of court dockets, abuse of remand orders, prison overcrowding, inadequate rehabilitation programmes and weak coordination among institutions. Furthermore, this research finds that reforms such as the ACJA, Police Act and Nigerian Correctional Service Act are progressive. However, they are not implemented adequately. In the light of the above, it is recommended that there should be procedural safeguards in the criminal justice system in Nigeria; the police should become more accountable; there should be better funding for the court and correctional institution; non-custodial measures should be adopted more often; there should be coordination among agencies; the processes in the criminal justice should be digitised; there is need for public education. This project concludes that criminal justice system in Nigeria would be more efficient where legal reforms are matched with institutional implementation.

Item Type: Thesis (Other)
Subjects: K Law > K Law (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Art
Depositing User: ESTHER IGWEIKE
Date Deposited: 24 Jul 2026 11:06
Last Modified: 24 Jul 2026 11:06
URI: http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/5929

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