ABSTRACT
The
criminal justice system revolves around three cardinal institutions: the
police, court and prison. These institutions are partners in our failing
criminal justice system, due to some practices that are inimical to the
interest of society. Thus, the incalculable harm being wrecked on the Nigerian
criminal justice system by the holding charge practice cannot be justified.
Holding charge which involves the bringing of a suspect before an inferior
Court that lacks jurisdiction to try him or her for the primary purpose of
securing a remand order, in order to look for a prima facie evidence in support
of the allegation against the suspect and thereafter abandon him or her in
prison under the pretext of awaiting trial, leaves one to wonder whether the
presumption of innocence is tenable in Nigeria. This is because under this
practice, an accused is presumed guilty until he or she proves his innocence.
Also, the crisis of congestion in our prison is the result of the holding
charge practice. It is trite, that jurisdiction is the life-wire of any
litigation whether civil or criminal and the base on which adjudication rest.
It follows that there is obviously an anomaly in brining a suspect for remand
before a magistrate who has no power to impose penalty for the indictable
offence allegedly committed by the suspect. Therefore, the practice by
magistrate courts who lacked Jurisdiction in indictable offence, but goes on to
remand the suspect under holding charge have been considered unconstitutional,
because it is a threat to the accused person’s rights to personal liberty,
dignity, and fair hearing granted by the 1999 constitution (as amended).
However, some states laws have given the magistrate court the impetus to
continue with this harmful practice without regard to the provisions of the
grundnorm. Consequently, this research work, in chapter one will take a look at
the historical inception of holding charge; chapter two will focus on the
meaning of the monster called holding charge, the reason for its adoption and
the illegality. Chapter three will discuss on the rights of accused persons and
how holding charge have thwarted its realization. Chapter four will examine the
effect of holding charge in the criminal justice administration in Nigeria. The
last chapter contains observation and recommendation, mainly on abrogation of
all the laws that gave magistrate courts powers to remand suspects on
indictable offences even when they have no jurisdiction.
CHAPTERIZATION
i. Title page.
ii. Certification page.
iii. Approval page.
iv. Dedication.
v. Acknowledgements.
vi. Table of Contents.
vii. Table of Statutes.
viii. Table of Cases.
ix. Abbreviations.
x. Abstract.
1.0 CHAPTER
ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
of the Study
1.2 Statement
of the Problem
1.3 Research
Questions
1.4 Objectives
of the Study
1.5 Research
Methodology
1.6 Relevance
of the Study
1.7 Scope
of the Study
1.8 Limitation
of the Study
2.0 CHAPTER
TWO: THE HOLDING CHARGE PRACTICE
2.1 Introduction
2.2 The
meaning of holding charge
2.3 The
reasons for adopting holding charge
2.4 The
procedures that enabled holding charge
2.5 Can
holding charge practice be justified?
2.6 The
illegality of holding charge
3.0 CHAPTER
THREE: HOLDING
CHARGE AND THE
RIGHTS OF SUSPECTS
3.1 Introduction
3.2 The
meaning of human rights
3.3 The
rights to personal liberty
3.4 The
right to fair trial within reasonable time
3.5 The
right to presumption of innocence
3.6 The
right to dignity of human person
4.0 CHAPTER
FOUR: THE EFFECT OF HOLDING CHARGE
PRACTICE
4.1 Introduction
4.2 The
effect on speedy administration of justice in Nigeria
4.3 The
effect on the defence of the accused person
4.4 The
effect on Nigeria prisons
4.5 The
effect on fundamental human rights
5.0 CHAPTER
FIVE: CONCLUSIONS
5.1 Observations
5.2 Recommendations
5.3 Conclusion
Bibliography
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ALL. N. L. R. –
ALL Nigeria Law Report
Cap. –
Chapter
CCHCJ –
Certified Copier of High Court
(of Lagos
State) Judgments)
C.P.A –
Criminal Procedure Act.
C.P.C – Criminal Procedure Code.
F.W.L.R. –
Federation Weekly Law Report
H.R.L.A
– Human Rights Law Assistance.
H.R.L.R.A.
– Human Rights Law Reports of
African
M.J.S.C.N –
Monthly Judgment of the Supreme
Court of
Nigeria
N.C.C. –
Nigerian Criminal cases.
N.C.CL. –
Nigeria. Constitutional Law
Reports
N.M.L.R. –
Nigeria Monthly Law Reports
N.N.L.R. –
Northern Nigeria Law Reports
N.R.N.L.R – Northern Region of Nigeria Law
Reports
N.S.C.C. – Nigerian supreme court case
N.S.C.C. –
Nigeria supreme court case
N.S.C.Q.R. – Nigeria Supreme Court innately reports.
S.C. – Nigeria Supreme court.
S.C.N.J
– Supreme court of Nigeria Judgment
S.C.N. L. R. –
Supreme court of Nigeria Law
re[ports
U.S.
– United States
W.R.N - Week Reports of Nigeria
TABLE OF CASES
A.G Bendel State V. A. G. Fed & 22 Ors (1982) AU
NLR 85 SC.
A.G Lagos State V. Dosunmu (1989) 6 S.N.J (pt. 11)
134.179.
A.G. Abia State V. A.G. Fed. (2002) 6 NWLR (pt. 763)
391.
A.G. Anambra State V.AG. Fed. (2005) 22 NSC QR (pt.
11) 574
Abacha V. Fawehinni (1996) a NWLR (pt 475) 710 – 745
Achene V. The State (1991) 8 NWLR (pt. 424) 412
Action Congress V. Kaigama (2008) 8 NWLR (pt. 1088)
165
Adamu Suleima V. C.O.P. Plateau State (2008) 8 NWLR
(pt. 1089) 298-324.
Adegbite V.C.O.P (2006) 51 W.R.N. PP. 186-187.
Agundi V. C.O.P. (2013) All F.W.L.R (pt. 660) 1243
A-h Ondo State V. A. G. Fed. (2002) 9 NWLR (pt. 772)
141
Ahmed V. C.O.P, Bauchi State (2012) 9 NWLR (pt. 1304)
104
Alaboh V. Boyles & Anor (1984) 3 NCLR 830
Alliance for Democracy V. Peter Ayodele Fayose (2005)
10 NWLR/ (pt. 932) 151.
Anaekwe V. C. O. P. (1996) 3 NWLR (Pt. 436) 330
Ani V. The State (2002), 11 WRN 53.
Apadi V. Banuso
(2008) 13 NWLR (pt. 1103) 204
Ariori V.. Elemo (1983) I SCNLR I at 24-28
Asakitikpi V. The State (1993) 5 NWLR (pt. 296) 61
Bhai Chaggan Bhai v. State of Gujurat (1964) S.C.
1563.
Bola Kale V. The State (2006) 1 NWLR (pt. 962) 507
Chief Great Ovedje Ogbonu v. Chief James OnANEFE Ibori
& 27 Ors (2005) 13 NWLR (pt. 942) 310.
Chinemelu V. C.O.P (1993) 4 NWLR (pt. 390) 141
Chinemelu V. C.O.P. (1995) 4 NWLR (pt. 390) 467.
Dantata V. The Police (1958) NRNLR 3.
Dantata. V. Mohammed (2005) SCNJ 17-25.
Doherty V. Balewa (1961) AU N.L.R 604. S.C.
E. A. Lufadeju & Anor. V. Evangelist Bayo Johnson
(2007) 8 NWLR (pt. 1037) 535.
Edet V. State (2008) 14 NWLR (pt. 1106) 52.
EFCC V. Ekeocha (2008) 14 NWLR (pt. 1106) 161.
Emezue V. Okolo & Ors (1978) 312
Emezue V. Okolo (1978) 1. L.R.N. 236.
Enwere V. C.O.P. (1993) 6 NWLR (pt. 299) 133
Erekanure V. The State (1993) 8 NWLR 385.
Eyu v. State (1988) 2 NWLR (pt. 78) 602-626.
Fasakin Food (Nig.) itd. V. Martins Babatunde
shosanyaa (2006) IMJSCN (No. 7) 48-52.
Fayemi v. Oni 92009) All FWLR (pt. 493) 1254.
FCE, Pankshin v. Pusmut (2008) 12 NWLR (pt 1101) 405.
Fyouzughu v. A g Benue State (2005) 5 NWLR (pt. 918)
226-248.
Garba v. Federal Civil Service Commission (1988) INWLR
(pt. 449) 124.
Garuba v. state (19972) 4 S.C. 118
Goniv. Bornu Native authority 91957) NWLR 40-42
Hartage V. Hendric 439 PA, 584 at 601.
Hartage V. Hendrick 439 PA, 584 – 601
Ibidokun v. Adaralode (2001) 12 NWLR (pt. 727)
268-312.
Igwe v. Ezeanochie 92010 7 NWLR (pt. 1192) 61.
Jimoh V. C.O.P (2004) 17 NWLR (pt. 902) 389.
Josiah V. state (1988)2 NWLR (pt. 1)131-140.
Kingsley Ikonav. Co. p Lagos state & 4 ors (2010)
12 N. M. L. R. (pt. 1) 365.
Lakanmi V. Adoma & 3 ors (2003) 4 SCNJ 348.
Liversidge v. Anderson (1942) A.C. 206.
Madukolu V. Nkemdilim (1961) N.S.C.C (vol. 2) 374 –
380
Marbury V. Madison 5 U. S. 154 (1803).
Matari V.
Dangaladima (1993) 3 NWLR (pt. 281) 265.
Mogaji V. Board of customs and exercise (1982) 2 NCLR
552.
Mohammed & Ors V. C.o.p. (1987) 4NWLR (pt. 65) 420
Musa & Anor v. C.O.P (2004) 9 NWLR (pt. 879)
483-502.
Njikonye V. M.T. N. Nigeria Communication Ltd. (2008)
9 NWLR (pt. 1092) 339.
NNPC V. Tijani (2006) 17 NWLR (pt. 1007) 29.
Nse Udo Ntita v. State (1993) NWLR (Pt. 283) 512.
Nwankwo & Ors v. the queen (1959) 2.5 C.N.R. 675.
Obekpa v. C.O.P (1980) I.N.L.R. 11.
Odogu V.A.G of
the Federation (2002) 2 HRLRA 84
Ogor V. Kolawole (1985) 6 NCLR 534-540
Ogugu v. State (1994) 9 NWLR (pt. 366)1.
Ogugu v. State 91994) 9 Nwlr (pt. 3661).
Okoduwa v. State (1988) 2 NWLR (pt. 76) 512.
Olawoye & 4 Ors. V C.O.P (2006) 2 NWLR (pt. 965)
427.
Olusemo v. C.O.P (1998) II NWLR (pt. 575) 547.
Omokeloye V. State (1989) 1 C.L.R.N. 150
Onagoruwa V. State (1993) 7 NWLR (pt. 303) 49
Onasanya v. the State (1979) 6 S.C 79.Trigra Ltd. V.
Universal Trust Bank PLC (2009) 12 NWLR (pt. 1155) 313.
Ononye V. Odita (2008) 10 NWLR (pt. 1096) 483.
Osheyire v. British Caledonian airways Ltd. (1990) 7
NWLR (pt. 163) 507.
Ozuinonye & Ors. V. the State (1983) 4 NCLR 204.
Peanock ltd V. Hotel presidential (1982) 12 S.Cl
Ransome Kuti v. a. G Federation 91985) 2 NWLR (pt.6)
211-230.
Rossek V. A.C.B. (1993) 10 S.C.N.J 20 at 116.
Saidu v. the state (1982) 4 S. C. 41
Sambo v. The State (1989) ICLR B 77.
Shagari V. C.O.P (2007) 5 NWLR (pt. 901) 1.
Shehu v. the state (1982) INCRI.
Shola Abu & 349 Ors v. C.O.P Lagos State & ors
(Unreported) Suit No. 1 KD (M/18/2003.
Trans Bridge co. Ltd. V. Survey International Ltd.
(1986) NWLR (Pt. 37) 576.
U.B.A Trustees Ltd. V. Niger Ceramic Ltd. (1987) 3
NWLR (pt. 62) 623.
Ukatu v. C.O.P (2001) FWLR (pt. 66) 758.
Ukwunnenyi & Anor. V. the state (1989) 2NSCC 42
Utih V. Onuyivwe (1999) 1 NWLR (pt. 166) 166-206.
Uwaje Nnabuife & Anor V. C.A. Maidoi & Anor
(2007) LPELR.
WEC V. Balarabe (2003) 3 NWLR (pt. 806) 72 Sc.
Madukolu V. Nkemdilim (1961) N. S. C.C. (VOL. 2)
374-380
Doherty V. Balewa (1961) AN N.L.R 604 S. C.
Marbury V. Madison 5 V. S 154 (1803).
NNPC V. Tijani (2006) 17 NWLR (pt. 1007) 29.
Onoye V. Odita (2008) 10 NWLR (pt. 1096) 483.
Njikonye V. M.T.N. Nigeria Communication Ltd (2008) 9
NWLR (pt. 1092).
TABLE OF
STATUTES
African Charter on Human and peoples’ rights
(ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap. A9 L.F.N 2004.
Art 6 ………………………………………………..
Art 7(1)(d)..……………………………………………..
Art 7(1)(b) ………………………………………………..
Art 5 ………………………………………………..
Art 6
(d)………………………………………………..
Art 7 ………………………………………………..
Constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999
(as amended).
S. 214…………………………………………………………
S. 35(5)…………………………………………………………
S. 35(4)…………………………………………………………
S. 35(4) and (5)…………………………………………………………
S. 35(7) (a)…………………………………………………………
S. 35(6)…………………………………………………………
S. 35(1) …………………………………………………………
S. 36(6) (a) (b) (c)…………………………………………………
S. 35(1) …………………………………………………………
S. 46(1) (2)…………………………………………………
S. 1(3) …………………………………………………………
S. 36(6) (a-d) …………………………………………………
S. 34(1) …………………………………………………………
S. 36(4) …………………………………………………………
S. 6(6)(c) …………………………………………………………
3. Criminal
code Act, Cap C. 38 L.E.N. 2004
S. 37(1)……………………………………….
S.316
S.38
4. Criminal
Procedure Act (Cap. 41 L.F.N 2004
S. 78 (a) (b)
S. 17
S. 18
S. 118
S.9
5. Criminal
Procedure Code AP 30 Laws of Northern Nigeria 1963.
S. 129
6. Criminal
Procedure law Cap 33 laws of Lagos state, Nigeria 1994.
S. 236(3)……………………..
7. Criminal
Justice Administration (Lagos State) 2011.
S.
264 (1)
S.
264 (10) (a-c)
8. Criminal
Procedure Law Cap. 49 Laws of Bendel State 1976 (as amended by the criminal procedure
(Amendment) law 1991.
S.
236 (3)
9. Evidence
Act 2011 (amended
S.
145(2)
S.
135 (1)
10. International
covenant on civil and political Rights. 1966.
Art.
14.
11. Police
Act Cap. P. 19 L.F.N 2004.
S.4
S. 23
12. Prisons
Act Cap. P. 29 L.F.N 2004
13. Robbery
and Firearms (special provisions Act Cap. R.11 L.F.N 2004.
S.1(2)
14. Universal
Declaration of Human rights 1948.
Art
10.