An Enugu based Human Rights Activist, Titus Onuora Odo Esq, has called on the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria to urgently scrap the use of lay prosecutors in Nigerian courts. In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Supreme Court, Odo described the practice as “archaic and anachronistic,” arguing that it significantly contributes to delays and inefficiencies in the justice system.
Under the current system, non-lawyers—often police officers—are permitted to prosecute cases, a practice Odo believes undermines the integrity of the judiciary. He noted that lay prosecutors lack the necessary legal training and expertise, which can result in miscarriages of justice and procedural errors. Additionally, the overwhelming volume of cases they handle contributes to systemic delays.
“It does not look good having a lay prosecutor slog it out with practicing lawyers,” Odo wrote. “No matter which angle one may want to look at it, they cannot operate on the same frequency. It creates an uneven playing field where defendants are pitted against untrained and inexperienced prosecutors. This can lead to unjust outcomes and erode public trust in the justice system.”
To address these concerns, Odo proposed three key reforms:
- Abolishing Lay Prosecutors: Amending relevant laws to mandate that all prosecutors be trained lawyers.
- Training and Support: Establishing programs to equip lawyers with the necessary prosecutorial skills.
- Increased Judiciary Funding: Ensuring adequate financial resources to support trained prosecutors and improve court infrastructure.
He urged the Supreme Court to take decisive action, emphasizing that aligning with global legal standards would enhance the efficiency and credibility of Nigeria’s judicial system.
The call for reform comes amid growing concerns over the slow pace of justice delivery in the country. Legal experts and human rights advocates have long criticized the reliance on lay prosecutors, arguing that it compromises the quality of legal proceedings.
As the debate over judicial reforms intensifies, it remains to be seen whether the Supreme Court will heed the call to professionalize prosecutions and phase out lay prosecutors from Nigeria’s courts.
