The Nigeria Police Force has prosecuted 29,052 criminal cases across the country in the last one year, Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, has said.
Adejobi, who stated this in a statement on Tuesday, said the Police, under the focused leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, following his pledge to ensure that perpetrators of crime are brought to justice swiftly and fairly, has successfully prosecuted these criminal cases within his one year in office.
According to Adejobi, the outstanding achievement results from the staunch dedication and diligence exhibited by investigative officers in consonance with the various legal teams in commands and formations nationwide.
The police spokesman said these culminated in the successful conclusion of most of these cases in relentless pursuit of accountability and the rule of law.
A breakdown of the cases showed that of the 29,052 cases prosecuted, 17,676 have been conclusively dispensed with, while a total number of 11,376 cases are still undergoing trial, with a total of 51 cases currently under appeal at the respective appellate courts.
Also, the Force PRO stated that “out of the dispensed cases, an impressive 16,200 led to the conviction of suspects who have been handed various forms of punishments for their criminal acts, a stark reminder to all criminals that they have no hiding place in our societies.
“They are hereby warned to desist from their criminal acts as the long and vicious arm of the law will eventually bring them to justice,” Adejobi said.
Additionally, he said 1,476 individuals have been discharged at the discretion of the jury.
He however stressed that some of these discharged cases have been appealed by the Police for justice to prevail.
The IG, while praising the dedication and professionalism of field and supervisory officers and legal teams, whose tireless efforts have contributed to these remarkable achievements, expressed gratitude to the judiciary, legal practitioners, and all stakeholders for their invaluable support and collaboration in the pursuit of justice.
He reiterated the determination of the Police towards upholding the principles of justice and effectively play its due role in the criminal justice system.
