Reform Nigeria’s Criminal Justice System – Agbakoba Tasks New AGF

Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, a former president of the Nigeria Bar Association, has urged Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the country’s new attorney general, to immediately start revamping Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

He also called for the dissolution of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the establishment of a National Prosecution Agency.

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In a statement released on Monday, Agbakoba stated: “The next Attorney General of the Federation must immediately complete important tasks.

“Major changes to the criminal justice system are urgently required, especially in light of the complete disarray caused by the duplication of effort on the part of our law enforcement agencies, particularly the EFCC and Independent Corrupt Practises Commission, ICPC.

“Also, EFCC must be separated from other agencies and given sole investigative authority while a new National Prosecution Agency is set up.

“A fully decentralised Police Force at the local, state, and federal levels would be another important reform.

“We urgently need to update our antiquated laws in order to follow Rwanda’s lead, which updated 1,000 laws.

“Last but not least the AGF must work on Speed of Justice.

“It’s a crying shame it takes upwards of 15 years to conclude cases from the High court to the Supreme Court.”