The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has issued a strong call to law enforcement agencies, urging them to fully comply with court orders and uphold the fundamental rights of citizens.
Justice Kekere-Ekun made this appeal during a courtesy visit by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and his team to her office in Abuja.
According to a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Tobi Soniyi, the CJN expressed concerns over rising cases of non-compliance with judicial decisions, warning that such actions erode public confidence in the legal system.
She emphasized that the rule of law is the foundation of any democratic society and that disregarding court rulings weakens both law enforcement and the judiciary.
“The police must ensure strict compliance with judicial decisions. Disobedience to court orders not only undermines the judiciary but also fosters a culture of impunity,” she said.
The CJN also raised concerns about threats to judges, court officials, and litigants, particularly in politically sensitive cases.
She urged the IGP to prioritize the protection of judicial officers, warning that intimidation and harassment of legal professionals pose a serious threat to justice delivery.
To enhance security around court premises, she called for increased police presence, particularly in areas prone to unrest.
She also emphasized the need for law enforcement officers to respect constitutional safeguards, such as the right to legal representation and the prompt arraignment of suspects.
Justice Kekere-Ekun further stressed the importance of adherence to the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, highlighting key provisions that prohibit arbitrary arrests, inhumane treatment of suspects, and the detention of family members in place of a suspect.
She reminded the police that under Section 7 of the ACJA, arresting individuals in place of a suspect is illegal, and under Section 8(1), torture or degrading treatment is strictly prohibited.
The CJN called for internal disciplinary measures within the Nigeria Police Force to check human rights abuses and ensure that officers who engage in unlawful practices are held accountable.
She urged the IGP to establish mechanisms to monitor and prevent police brutality, emphasizing that erring officers must face appropriate sanctions.
She also identified poor investigative processes and delays in prosecution as major factors contributing to prolonged trials and prison congestion.
To address this, she advised law enforcement agencies to complete thorough investigations before filing charges, ensuring that cases are not dismissed due to lack of evidence.
In her closing remarks, Justice Kekere-Ekun emphasized the need for greater collaboration between the police, the Ministry of Justice, and the judiciary to strengthen the justice system and ensure timely and effective prosecution of cases.
