The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called on security agencies, particularly the Nigerian Police, to fully comply with court rulings and respect human rights. She warned that failure to obey judicial decisions erodes public confidence in both the judiciary and law enforcement.
Justice Kekere-Ekun made this appeal during a courtesy visit by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and his delegation in Abuja. Her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Tobi Soniyi, issued a statement highlighting the key points discussed during the meeting.
Expressing deep concern over the frequent disregard for court judgments by law enforcement personnel, the CJN stressed that the rule of law demands absolute adherence to judicial directives. She urged the IGP to implement clear policies that ensure police officers comply with court orders without hesitation.
Additionally, Justice Kekere-Ekun raised alarm over the security challenges faced by judges, court staff, and litigants, particularly in high-profile or politically charged cases. She emphasized the need for the police to provide adequate protection at court premises, especially in regions prone to violence.
Underscoring the significance of judicial independence, she maintained that judges must be shielded from intimidation or harassment. This, she said, is essential for the fair administration of justice.
The CJN also reminded law enforcement of their constitutional duty to uphold citizens’ rights. She highlighted the importance of ensuring suspects have access to legal representation, are informed of the charges against them, and are promptly brought before a court. Special attention, she added, must be given to protecting vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities.
Citing key provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, Justice Kekere-Ekun reiterated that law enforcement officers must not arrest individuals in place of a suspect, subject suspects to inhumane treatment, or fail to electronically record confessional statements. She specifically referenced Section 7 of the ACJA, which makes it illegal to detain a suspect’s family members or associates.
Furthermore, she called for strict internal disciplinary measures within the police force to prevent unlawful practices and human rights abuses. The IGP, she urged, must establish effective monitoring mechanisms to curb police brutality and ensure that officers who break the law are held accountable.
Justice Kekere-Ekun reaffirmed the constitutional obligation to treat all suspects with dignity, citing Section 8(1) of the ACJA, which explicitly prohibits torture, inhumane, or degrading treatment.
She also identified poor investigative methods, inadequate case preparation, and delays in prosecution as major factors contributing to prolonged trials and prison congestion. To address these issues, she urged law enforcement agencies to complete thorough investigations before filing charges, ensuring cases do not collapse due to insufficient evidence.
Lastly, the CJN called for better collaboration between the police, the Ministry of Justice, and the judiciary. Strengthening these relationships, she noted, would improve case prosecution and enhance the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s justice system.
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