RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos.
The high command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has disclosed that it prosecuted a total number of 29,052 criminal cases across the country in the last one year.
It also applauded the judiciary, saying that the nation’s Criminal Justice Administration has improved.
The Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun attributed the remarkable achievements to the dedication and professionalism of field and supervisory officers and legal teams of the Force, saying their tireless efforts contributed to the remarkable success.
In a statement yesterday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed that 16,200 out of the dispensed cases have led to the conviction of suspects who have been handed various forms of punishments for their criminal acts, a stark reminder to all criminals that they have no hiding place in our societies.
” The Nigeria Police Force under the focused leadership of the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, and following his pledge to ensure that perpetrators of crime are brought to justice swiftly and fairly, has successfully prosecuted a total number of twenty-nine thousand, and fifty-two (29,052) criminal cases across the country in the last one year.
” This outstanding achievement results from the staunch dedication and diligence exhibited by investigative officers in consonance with the various legal teams in Commands and Formations nationwide culminating in the successful conclusion of most of these cases in relentless pursuit of accountability and the rule of law.
” Remarkably, of the 29,052 cases prosecuted, seventeen thousand, six hundred and seventy-six (17,676) have been conclusively dispensed with while a total number of eleven thousand, three hundred and seventy-six (11,376) cases are still undergoing trial, with a total of fifty-one (51) cases currently under appeal at the respective appellate courts.
” Moreover, out of the dispensed cases, an impressive sixteen thousand, two hundred (16,200) cases have led to the conviction of suspects who have been handed various forms of punishments for their criminal acts, a stark reminder to all criminals that they have no hiding place in our societies.
” They are hereby warned to desist from their criminal acts as the long and vicious arm of the law will eventually bring them to justice. Additionally, 1,476 individuals have been discharged at the discretion of the jury.
” However, some of these discharged cases have been appealed by the Police for justice to prevail.
” The Inspector General of Police, while extoling the dedication and professionalism of field and supervisory officers and legal teams, whose tireless efforts have contributed to these remarkable achievements, expressed gratitude to the judiciary, legal practitioners, and all stakeholders for their invaluable support and collaboration in the pursuit of justice.
“He reiterated the resoluteness of the Nigeria Police to upholding the principles of justice and effectively play its due role in the criminal justice system.”, Force spokesperson stated.
