NIGERIA AND ITS CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

The words of Lord Denning ring true. To every subject of this land however powerful, I would use Thomas Fuller’s words of over three hundred years ago: “Be ye never so high that the law is above you”.

The sad reality is that this is not the case in Nigeria where powerful individuals and interests pride themselves above the law and subvert its sanctity for selfish gain. The abiding credo is how the rich, powerful and influential can wilfully manipulate the system in their favour, using the instrument of justice to escape the consequences of errant behaviour while setting a precedence that has wilfully corrupted the entire judicial system, disrobed it and destroyed its essence.

Dele Farotimi’s book is a constant reminder that the country is oscillating between the rock and the hard place while playing Russian Roulette with live rounds in an unending macabre dalliance with criminal injustice. A careful review of this book sounds the needed alarm bells to all that it is time to wake up and rescue what is left of the tattered and beleaguered judicial system from total ruin. This is a timely piece.

Rufai Oseni

Dele's latest work exposes the rotten, seedy underbelly of Nigeria's justice system; unmasking persons and authorities complicit in the crimes of corruption, unfettered greed and gross violation of the basic principles of equity that have conspired to ruin it. Brilliant, racy and poignant. A compelling read.
Folashade Oshun