Strengthening the Criminal Justice System in Nigeria through Alternative Dispute Resolution

Abstract

It is generally argued that criminal justice system is entrusted with the responsibility for controlling criminal behaviour and punishing the offenders. The process commences with the commission of a crime and continues with subsequent interventions by the law-enforcement agencies. However, many factors come into play in determining whether or not the whole process runs its full course, considering its inefficiency in recent times. Using a qualitative method, this article examines the effectiveness or otherwise of the newly introduced alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in terms of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, in order to ascertain whether or not the concept is comprehensive as a mechanism for protecting the victims, the accused person and society. The findings revealed that the current criminal justice system in Nigeria is poor, ineffective and in dire need of reform. The article therefore recommends, among other things, that Nigeria move away from the conventional retributive justice system and incorporate a restorative or reparative justice system. ADR should also be strengthened in order to provide for effective and timely dispute resolution that is able to support a modern economy. Furthermore, there should be more training courses for all the participants in the justice system, as training will serve to enhance the effective administration of criminal justice in Nigeria.