‘Why kidnapping has increased in Nigeria’

A retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Sunday Akintan, has said that the rate of kidnapping had increased tremendously in the past years for lack of the judiciary to enforce the law on criminals because of their financial might in controlling the system. The former judge advocated for a firm and disciplined reformed judiciary […]

A retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Sunday Akintan, has said that the rate of kidnapping had increased tremendously in the past years for lack of the judiciary to enforce the law on criminals because of their financial might in controlling the system.

The former judge advocated for a firm and disciplined reformed judiciary which he said was capable of eroding corruption in other sectors of the economy.

Akintan made this statement recently during the public presentation of his book titled: “Reminiscences: My Journey Through Life” in Lagos State.

“When the judiciary is firm and disciplined every other sector will sit up. One major problem we have is to get the justice system firm because once the court is slack, people will continue to commit crime with impunity.

“Criminals will use their influence and the problem in the judicial system to ensure that their action, are not tried,” he said.

The octogenarian who retired in 2008, said that the reform of the judiciary was necessary so that crime would be dealt with decisively instead of wasting time on the process of bail.

“A person who has committed a crime and has been on trial for over five years does not show good judiciary system. Bail is not mandatory and if it is to be given, it should be given on the spot,” he said.

Akintan said that corruption was not common during his time in service but that corruption had become a menace embedded in every sector of the economy including the judiciary.

“In the past, judges were given Nigerian assembled 504 Peugeot cars which was enough for us then but it is big cars from foreign countries that is being distributed now.

“The system of appointment is also faulty because most times, it is not those who are rightfully qualified for the job that get the appointments,” he said.

The former judge urged the contemporary judges to exhibit honesty and firmess by refusing to take what he tagged as, “I beg you” and “I thank you” because the two, he insisted are corrupted.

“If you adjust your life to involve criminals, you will live above your means and get corrupted because “I beg you” is pre-corruption while “I thank you” is post corruption,” he said.