By Ebere Agozie/ By Anita Uzoagba
Mr JB Dauda, SAN, Coordinator, Rule of Law Development Foundation (ROLDF) says the criminal justice system in Nigeria earnestly needs correctional institutions to have a sane and secure space for our teeming masses.
Daudu said this at the opening of the 7th Annual Criminal Law Review conference and launch of Volume 1 of his book titled ‘J B Daudu SAN through the Cases’ on Monday in Abuja.
He said that the book was the first part of the review of some of the cases and judgments he argued in the superior appellate courts from the period of his call to Bar till date.
He noted that Nigerians would enjoy the benefits of the social compact existing between the people and the state if persons who are prone to disrupting the peace, order and sanity of the society are put in check.
“We should not sacrifice the stability of the society which is hinged on the ability of those entrusted with power to perform their functions on the political altar of the few angry politicians, internet tyrants and their advisors’’.
The SAN urged stakeholders at the conference to review the progress and performance of correctional institutions across the country.
“The correctional institutions are pivotal to the success or smooth operation of any socio-economic, politico-cultural system such as the Nigerian State.
“Last year, we noted with concern that these Centres, though not inherited by this Administration, were in a decrepit state, which required the injection of massive public funds.
“There is a need for the federal government and indeed state governments pursuant to the 2022/2023 constitutional amendment that placed correctional centres and prisons on the concurrent legislative list to as a matter of national priority and urgency build, construct or install one multi-purpose correctional centres in each of the 774 local government councils in Nigeria.
“Alternatively, three centres in each state of the federation, which is one for each senatorial district’’.
He said that proper and indeed effective utilisation of these proposed correctional centres will reduce if not totally eradicate the tsunami of criminality currently engulfing and overwhelming the nation.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 55 chapter book was reviewed by former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Mohammed Adoke, SAN, who described it as a `timely and invaluable resource’ for Nigeria’s legal community.
Adoke said the book reviewed a wide range of cases across civil, criminal, and constitutional law, drawing commentary from eminent practitioners and academics.
“Having read the compilation, I can confirm it is both erudite and essential, providing insight into Daudu’s intellect, industry, and advocacy style’’.
He said the book adopted a distinctive approach by examining how Daudu’s arguments were received at trial and appellate levels.
He noted instances where courts initially rejected his submissions but later adopted his reasoning in subsequent judgments.
“The publication also includes vivid illustrations and clear headnotes, making it accessible to legal researchers, students, and practitioners.
“Cases highlighted include Abdullahi Baba v. Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Centre (1991), Abu Muhammad v. the State (1991), among others.
“All these showcased his strategic submissions, forensic brilliance, and contribution to constitutional interpretation.
“I have no hesitation in recommending this publication as an invaluable resource for researchers, policy makers, and all who care about the administration of justice in Nigeria”, Adoke added.
NAN reports that the event had several dignitaries in attendance including the Minister of Interior and members of the legal profession, all acknowledging Daudu’s enduring impact on Nigeria’s jurisprudence.
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