Aside the apparent reality of corruption, some other factors that affected the standings of countries in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) recently released by Transparency International include delayed prosecution of corrupt officials and the government's inability to map out effective anti-corruption mechanisms. These are not unfounded in the Nigerian context safe one decides to sweep the facts that are before us under the carpet. There is a high tendency to heap the blame on the executive arm of government- rightfully so in some circumstances- but the judiciary cannot be left out. The justice system in Nigeria does seem to be exhibit some sort of slagness when it comes to giving final verdicts on a number of high-profile cases; many are cases that are presently inconclusive, and some- despite the evidence of law violation- do not get to be taken to court.
To start with, the trial of kidnap honcho, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (popularly known as Evans) is rather taken too long. Evans has been arrested by the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) on the 10th of June, 2017, and a final court ruling is looking still far to come by as a series of adjournment, reassignment [on the case] keeps buying the self-confessed kidnapper more time. The gaffe committed by the Attorney-General of Lagos State, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, in not presenting a valid proof of evidence for the murder allegation levelled against Evans could have also played a part in the protracted delay in giving a final verdict. It can be argued that the complexity of the Evans' case is not making process easy but the justice system appears to lack the fluidity to put cases to rest in quick time. It is worth noting that the Chief Justice of Nigeria has [at various points in time] charged judges to see to it that trials are speedily concluded. The rigmarole surrounding Evans looks to have given the audacity to file suits [through his counsel, Mr. Oluyinka Ogungbeje] against the police on two different occasions as he hopes to escape the wrath of the law.
Though not in the same class as Evans' case but another saga that got people talking is the one involving ex-pension boss, Abdulrasheed Maina. Court proceedings on Maina's case may not have really taken flight- a situation brought about by the evasiveness of the ex-pension chief whose alleged abettors have since appeared in court- but the indictment of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) does not only create a crevice in the government's anti-corruption framework but is also a dent on the justice system in the country. Maina should be made to stand in court [like the others have done] to prove his innocence and be acquitted or get convicted and served the the appropriate punishment by the law demands.
Well, Maina's case may not even command so much attention if we are to dig the grave and unearth the several high-profile cases [involving former governors and other top public office holders] that are still pending in court, awaiting the judge's final ruling. Some of these cases are spanning 5 - 10 years and they remain stalled till this very day.
For any groundbreaking result to be recorded in our justice system, the judiciary has got to mop up these cases; resolving them in all fairness without any fear or favour. An anti-corruption fight without a trustworthy justice system is not different from beating a dead horse.