Former Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmud Attahiru Jega has warned that the pervasive lack of public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system remains a potential threat to national security.

Jega asserted that perceived erosion of rule of law, Justice delay and weaponisation of the bench sliding the system into the den of corruption are among deadly scourge crippling justice system in Nigeria.

In a virtual presentation to a 2-day training programme organized by Kurawa Attorneys and Associates in Kano, the University don believed the justice system has failed public integrity test and negative perception.

Tagged: ‘Institutional Integrity, Accountability, and Public Trust in the Justice System’, the former Vice Chancellor Bayero University Kano, also cited a growing public skepticism around what he described as impunity in the Justice System.

Prof. Jega who highlighted the significance of integrity, accountability and public trust in the Justice System, he regretted that the system has witnessed sharp declined in public confidence. The Professor advocated ethical leadership and independence of the judiciary over corruption and external influence to check the menace.

In his presentation, retired Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba maintained that professional investigation remains the foundation of effective prosecution and fair administration of criminal justice.

The former IGP submitted that for
prosecutors to adjudicates strong cases and compelling a credible justice, the investigators hold the responsibility to conduct thorough evidence to produce reliable evidence that enables.

Alkali Baba appealed for more investment in personnel training, forensic and digital capabilities for security agencies to deliver effective and modern day case management. He added that a success of criminal investigations should not be measured by the number of arrests or convictions, but by the quality, integrity, legality and fairness of the process through which justice is achieved.

Earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Kano State, AbdulKareem Maude SAN pointed out the importance of independence and responsive justice system added that the two cardinal references forms the trust of the state government.

The AG disclosed institutional capacity and measures to improve the delivery of legal service put in place by the state government have largely enhance rule of law, good governance, accountability and public trust.

Commending the Kurawa Attorneys and Associates for what he considered timely training on the theme: ‘Effective Administration of Criminal Justice; the Central Role of Prosecutors, Investigators and the Judiciary’, the Commissioner for Justice was hopeful that the engagement will improve capacity of the participants to improving justice system.

The Convener Sadiq Sabo Kurawa reminded that an effective criminal justice system remains fundamental to sustainable peace, security, good governance and the protection of fundamental human rights in any society.

Kurawa explained the capacity building was conceived in recognition of the critical role of an efficient justice system in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting public trust.

He emphasized that the effectiveness of criminal laws depends largely on the professionalism, competence and integrity of those responsible for investigating crimes, prosecuting offenders and adjudicating criminal cases.

Kurawa stressed that the annual training was designed to provide a platform for meaningful engagement, knowledge sharing and practical discussions among major stakeholders in the administration of criminal justice.

He expressed optimism that the training would strengthen cooperation between investigators and prosecutors, promote respect for fundamental human rights, improve case management and address delays in the dispensation of justice.