“CJN Unleashes Fury: Court Orders Ignored, Threats Loom Over Judges!”
The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has issued a powerful call to the nation’s security agencies, urging them to ensure strict adherence to court orders and uphold human rights. Expressing concern over rising incidents of non-compliance, Justice Kekere-Ekun warned that such actions not only damage the credibility of the justice system but also erode public confidence in both law enforcement and the judiciary.
This urgent plea was made during a courtesy visit by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and his team to the CJN’s office in Abuja, as confirmed in a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Tobi Soniyi.
Justice Kekere-Ekun Urges Police to Safeguard Judicial Integrity and Uphold the Rule of Law
During the meeting, the CJN emphasized that the integrity of the rule of law requires full compliance with judicial decisions. She made it clear that any disobedience to court orders undermines the public’s trust in the justice system, which relies on law enforcement to carry out decisions impartially and promptly.
To this end, she called on the IGP to issue explicit directives within the police force to ensure that court judgments and orders are swiftly and thoroughly implemented.
CJN Seeks Enhanced Police Presence in Courts to Prevent Violence and Protect Vulnerable Groups
Justice Kekere-Ekun also raised concerns about the safety of judicial officers and others involved in high-profile or politically sensitive cases. She urged the IGP to provide robust support in protecting judges, court staff, and litigants from intimidation and harassment. Additionally, she called for increased police presence in court premises, especially in areas prone to violence or unrest, to ensure the safety of all involved.
The CJN also highlighted the importance of safeguarding constitutional rights, such as the right to legal representation, timely access to court, and protection for vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities.
Justice Kekere-Ekun Tackles Police Brutality and Calls for Accountability in the Justice System
Furthering her concerns, Justice Kekere-Ekun spoke out against the mistreatment of suspects, emphasizing the need for compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. She noted provisions that prohibit unlawful arrests and inhumane treatment, calling for stricter internal measures to hold police personnel accountable for actions like torture and brutality.
She also advised the police to complete investigations before filing charges to prevent the dismissal of cases due to lack of evidence, urging a more coordinated approach between the police, Ministry of Justice, and judiciary to streamline the prosecution process and reduce delays in trials.
In sum, the CJN’s statements reflect a strong call for reform within the police and judiciary, focusing on the protection of human rights, judicial integrity, and the efficient delivery of justice across the country.
