Nigeria cannot have criminal justice system run by criminals – Adebayo

Prince Adewole Adebayo, presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has vowed to overhaul Nigeria’s criminal justice system if elected president in 2027, alleging that the current system favours wealthy offenders and corrupt public officials while poor Nigerians face harsh punishments for minor offences.

Adebayo made the remarks in an address delivered on his behalf by his campaign’s Chief Media Adviser, Comrade Mark Adebayo, at the annual lecture organised by the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, October 15.

The lecture was themed “Understanding Human Rights Beyond Emotions and Personal Interests,” while Adebayo’s address was titled “The Counter-Intuitive Architecture of Human Rights.”

Adebayo condemns unequal administration of justice

The SDP presidential candidate argued that public confidence in Nigeria’s justice system has been weakened by the perception that those responsible for administering justice are themselves sometimes viewed as corrupt or criminal.

He warned that declining trust in the system could encourage citizens to take the law into their own hands, creating a dangerous culture of self-help.

According to Adebayo, the system treats economically disadvantaged Nigerians differently from wealthy individuals accused of serious wrongdoing.

He illustrated his argument by contrasting the punishment that could be imposed on a poor person accused of stealing bread with the treatment of powerful individuals accused of looting public funds.

“Our administration will overhaul Nigeria’s criminal system in a way that ensures equal delivery of justice, punishes criminals and protects the innocent and the poor. We cannot have a criminal justice system run by criminals,” he said.

Human rights must protect everyone, Adebayo argues

Beyond criticising inequality in the justice system, Adebayo stressed that human rights must be protected even when the individuals involved are unpopular or accused of serious crimes.

He cited historical examples, including John Adams’ defence of British soldiers following the 1770 Boston Massacre, to argue that defending an accused person’s right to a fair hearing does not amount to endorsing the alleged offence.

He maintained that due process is essential to protecting innocent citizens from arbitrary arrest, wrongful conviction and abuse of state power.

Nigeria’s justice system faces persistent challenges

Adebayo’s comments come amid continuing efforts to reform Nigeria’s criminal justice system. In April 2026, the Federal Ministry of Justice announced new standards and a restorative justice training framework intended to improve the implementation of existing criminal justice laws.

The government has also acknowledged persistent challenges, including delays in trials, congested courts and overcrowded correctional centres.

These challenges raise questions about how effectively existing laws are implemented, how quickly cases are resolved and whether all citizens can access legal representation and receive equal treatment before the law.

Adebayo’s 2027 promise

Adebayo has pledged that an SDP-led administration would reform the system to ensure that offenders are punished, innocent people are protected and justice is not determined by wealth or political influence.

He also challenged civil society organisations to address electoral integrity, the plight of out-of-school children and restrictions on peaceful protests. In the same address, he alleged that the current administration was preparing an elaborate system to manipulate the 2027 elections, a claim that remains his political allegation.