The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called on security agencies to ensure full compliance with court orders and uphold human rights, warning that disobedience to judicial decisions undermines the integrity of the justice system and erodes public trust.
Justice Kekere-Ekun made the appeal when the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and his team paid her a courtesy visit in Abuja. In a statement issued on Sunday by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Tobi Soniyi, the CJN expressed concern over the increasing disregard for court rulings by some law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that adherence to the rule of law is fundamental to a functioning democracy.
She urged the IGP to issue clear directives ensuring that police officers respect and promptly implement judicial decisions. According to her, non-compliance with court orders not only weakens public confidence in law enforcement but also threatens the foundation of justice in Nigeria.
Justice Kekere-Ekun also raised alarm over threats to judges, court officials, and litigants, particularly in cases of political or national significance. She called for increased security measures to protect judicial officers from intimidation or harassment, advocating for enhanced police presence in court premises, especially in regions prone to violence or unrest.
Furthermore, the CJN urged the police to ensure strict adherence to constitutional safeguards in handling suspects. She emphasized the necessity of legal representation, the right of suspects to be informed of charges, and the requirement for prompt arraignment before a court. Additionally, she stressed the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities, in law enforcement practices.
Justice Kekere-Ekun underscored the need for full compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, particularly its provisions against arbitrary arrests, inhumane treatment of suspects, and the mandatory electronic recording of confessional statements. She reminded the police that under Section 7 of the ACJA, it is illegal to arrest family members or associates in place of a suspect.
The CJN further called for internal disciplinary mechanisms within the Nigeria Police Force to curb misconduct, insisting that officers who engage in unlawful activities, including police brutality, should be held accountable. She urged the IGP to implement monitoring systems to prevent human rights abuses, ensuring that law enforcement personnel operate within legal and ethical boundaries.
Highlighting the problem of prolonged trials and prison congestion, Justice Kekere-Ekun identified poor investigative processes, lack of thorough case preparation, and delays in prosecution as major factors contributing to the inefficiency of the justice system. She advised the police to conclude investigations before filing charges, noting that weak cases with insufficient evidence often lead to unnecessary case dismissals and prolonged detention of suspects.
To strengthen the judicial process, she advocated improved coordination between the police, the Ministry of Justice, and the judiciary to facilitate seamless prosecution. By fostering collaboration among these institutions, she asserted, Nigeria’s legal system would become more efficient and responsive to the needs of justice.
