“Police, Judiciary Must Work Together On Justice Reform” — IGP Disu Seeks CJN’s Support On Investigations, ACJA Implementation

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, recently met with the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, to advocate for enhanced collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the Judiciary. The meeting, held on July 2, 2026, focused on strengthening criminal justice administration through improved investigations, robust prosecution support, speedy dispensation of justice, and effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. This initiative underscores a critical commitment from both institutions to address systemic challenges within Nigeria's justice sector, aiming to foster greater efficiency, protect citizens' rights, and bolster public confidence in the rule of law.

Nigeria's criminal justice system has long grappled with systemic inefficiencies, including prolonged investigations, case backlogs, and delays in trial dispensation, which collectively erode public trust and hinder effective justice delivery. In a significant move towards addressing these entrenched challenges, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, on July 2, 2026. This high-level engagement signals a renewed commitment from the executive and judicial arms of government to forge a stronger, more synergistic partnership in the administration of criminal justice.

The core of the IGP's appeal centered on the imperative for joint action to improve criminal investigations, enhance prosecution processes, ensure the speedy dispensation of justice, and critically, to facilitate the robust implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. This article will delve into the statutory framework underpinning these reforms, analyze the practical implications of such collaboration, and highlight the persistent challenges that necessitate a unified approach from the police and the judiciary to achieve a truly reformed and efficient criminal justice system in Nigeria.

Prior to the enactment of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, Nigeria's criminal procedure was governed by a fragmented legal landscape, primarily the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) in the Southern States and the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) in the Northern States. This dual system often led to inconsistencies and procedural complexities. The ACJA 2015 was therefore a landmark legislative intervention, designed to harmonize criminal procedures across federal courts and the Federal Capital Territory, with the overarching purpose of promoting efficient management of criminal justice institutions, ensuring speedy dispensation of justice, protecting society from crime, and safeguarding the rights and interests of suspects, defendants, and victims.

Key innovations introduced by the ACJA include provisions for humane treatment of arrested persons, prohibition of arrest in lieu of a suspect, mandatory recording of suspects' statements, quarterly reports of arrests to the Attorney-General, and monthly visits by Chief Magistrates to police stations to review cases of unlawful detention. These provisions aim to curb arbitrary arrests, reduce pre-trial detention, and enhance accountability within law enforcement. The current Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, appointed in February 2026, is known for his reform-minded approach, emphasizing intelligence-led policing and digital investigation capabilities. Similarly, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, who assumed office substantively in September 2024, has a distinguished record in judicial reforms, including contributions to procedural rule amendments. Their combined leadership presents a unique opportunity for advancing justice sector reforms.

The call for stronger police-judiciary collaboration by IGP Disu is not merely ceremonial but a recognition of the interdependent nature of their roles in the criminal justice ecosystem. The ACJA 2015, despite its progressive provisions, has faced significant implementation hurdles. These include the slow and uneven domestication of the Act by various states, judicial resistance to some reforms, entrenched practices within law enforcement, and critical gaps in funding and institutional capacity. For instance, crucial provisions such as digital case management systems and electronic confessional recording remain underutilized, undermining the Act's potential for efficiency and transparency.

IGP Disu specifically highlighted the Force's investments in forensic science, intelligence-led policing, and digital investigation tools. Effective integration of these modern policing initiatives requires corresponding judicial understanding and adaptation. Without judicial officers being adequately trained or equipped to handle digitally acquired evidence or forensic reports, the investigative advancements by the police may not translate into successful prosecutions or speedy trials. Furthermore, the ACJA's emphasis on reducing delays through measures like restraining frivolous adjournments and interlocutory applications necessitates a proactive judiciary willing to enforce these provisions rigorously.

Another critical area for collaboration lies in addressing the issue of unlawful detention and prison congestion, which the ACJA explicitly seeks to mitigate through provisions like monthly magistrate visits to police stations. The effectiveness of these oversight mechanisms depends heavily on consistent judicial engagement and police compliance. The continued debate around the right of lay police personnel to prosecute cases, stemming from Section 23 of the Police Act, despite the ACJA's intent to professionalize prosecution, exemplifies a statutory contradiction that requires harmonized interpretation and application by both institutions. The success of justice reform hinges on a shared understanding and commitment to the ACJA's spirit and letter, transcending institutional silos.

Comparative legal perspectives often show that jurisdictions with highly effective criminal justice systems benefit from seamless information flow and coordinated strategies between law enforcement and the judiciary. While maintaining their constitutional independence, both the police and the courts must engage in continuous dialogue, joint training, and policy alignment to ensure that the objectives of the ACJA – efficiency, fairness, and protection of rights – are fully realized. The current initiative by the IGP and CJN is a vital step towards bridging these operational and attitudinal gaps, fostering a more coherent and responsive justice system.

The recent meeting between IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu and CJN Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria's ongoing quest for criminal justice reform. The recognition that the Police and the Judiciary are indispensable partners, whose collaborative efforts are essential for strengthening the rule of law and improving public confidence, is a crucial step forward. Effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, coupled with advancements in investigative techniques and judicial processes, holds the promise of a more efficient, fair, and rights-protective justice system.

Practitioners should closely monitor the tangible outcomes of this renewed commitment, particularly in areas such as joint capacity-building programs, the adoption of technology in both policing and judicial proceedings, and concerted efforts to ensure the uniform domestication and application of the ACJA across all states. The success of these reforms will ultimately depend on sustained political will, adequate funding, and a continuous willingness from all stakeholders to embrace change and foster a culture of accountability and cooperation. This synergy is not merely desirable but indispensable for building a safer, more secure, and just society for all Nigerians.