Delay in the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria: Issues from a Nigerian Viewpoint

Abstract

Delay in the dispensation of justice perse is perceived as inimical to the attainment of substantial justice. But the seemingly balance between delayed justice and hurried justice remains the cornerstone of any civilized legal system. The article therefore examined in extensio delay in the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, taking into cognizance both its judicial and extra- judicial causes. Resort to secondary data emanating from books, case laws, articles in learned journals, conference papers, published legal and relevant internet materials have been utilized. The article equally sought to seek a balance between hurried justice and delayed justice in the face of the peculiarity of the Nigeria justice system. Whilst striking a moderate balance that would ultimately minimize delay in the annals of criminal justice in Nigeria. The article proffered necessary suggestions in the form of the utilization of information and communication technology, abolition of the holding charge syndrome and the provision of a witness protection programme, in line with what obtains in more advance countries as a vehicle to transform justice administration in Nigeria.

Keywords: Delay, Criminal Justice, Hurried Justice, Machinery, Balance, Buried Justice.