DEFECTS IN EXTANT NIGERIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION REGARDING ECONOMIC CRIMES AND SUGGESTED REFORMS

Abstract

The Nigeria?s criminal justice system relating to economic crimes suffers structural, doctrinal and procedural defects. These defects are what this paper is set to evaluate. The paper starts with the conceptual clarifications of economic crimes and the scope of the criminal justice administration, followed immediately by a detailed critique of Nigeria?s institutions, laws, and practices related to economic crimes. Nigeria?s legal framework especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Act, 2004, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, provide broad powers to investigate and punish fraud, corruption, money laundering, and other financial offenses. However, in practice, enforcement is affected by extreme political interference, underfunding, agency overlap, selective prosecutions, judicial corruption, trial delays, and constitutional immunities. The high-profile prosecutions resulting in few convictions and the convicted offenders mostly getting little prison time. Contrarily, however, the United Kingdom and Canada engage more consistent legislative regimes and specialised agencies, such as the United Kingdom?s Serious Fraud Office and the Royal Canadian Mobile Police Financial Crimes Units with clearer accountability. The comparative section addresses how the United Kingdom?s updated Economic Crime Plans and Canada?s recent beneficial-ownership registry law strengthen enforcement. In conclusion, an encompassing set of reforms, such as legislative amendments, institutional change and procedural adjustments, are proposed. These necessary measures are targeted at closing loopholes, improving coordination, and restoring public confidence in Nigeria?s fight against