Inibehe Effiong, a prominent Human Rights Lawyer, has raised serious concerns about the perceived erosion of public trust in the Nigerian Judiciary, pointing fingers at the Nigeria Police Force and specific Magistrates in Lagos, Abuja, and Nasarawa States for what he deems as the mishandling of remand proceedings.
In a strongly worded statement, Effiong criticized the apparent ease with which Magistrates issue remand orders without adequate scrutiny of the reasons provided by law enforcement.
He expressed deep dismay over what he perceives as the unjustified detention of individuals for cases he deems as civil or relatively straightforward criminal offences.
Effiong argued that administrative bail or immediate court charges are more appropriate in such scenarios.
Effiong’s alleged exploitation of remand orders by law enforcement agencies was of particular concern. He claimed that such orders are sometimes utilized either as part of extortion schemes or to appease petitioners seeking the prolonged detainment of suspects.
Highlighting instances where suspects from one state were remanded by Magistrates situated in entirely different regions, Effiong questioned the legitimacy of such actions, emphasizing the jurisdictional boundaries that should govern such decisions.
The lawyer strongly challenged law enforcement bodies’ misuse of remand orders, including the Police, State Security Service (SSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He notably questioned the necessity of obtaining remand orders for specific cases, such as alleged cyberstalking, stating these instances as examples of a system in disarray.
Effiong issued a fervent call to action, urging the legal community in Nigeria to speak out against what he views as a concerning and potentially damaging trend within the justice system.
His words:
”Why should a Magistrate assume jurisdiction in cases where the alleged offence was committed in another State? Why should they issue remand orders in respect of suspects and alleged offences that are outside their territorial jurisdiction?
”Remand orders are meant to be used to aid in investigation of serious criminal offences, but the Police (in particular), the SSS and even the EFCC have made a mess of the system.
”Why is a remand order needed to investigate a case of alleged cyberstalking for example?
”Lawyers in Nigeria should speak out about this dangerous and destructive trend.”
