ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE LEGISLATION IN NIGERIA: EVIDENCE COLLECTION, PROCESSING AND PRESENTATION BY THE POLICE

Abstract

The central thrust of this paper is to make an appraisal of evidence collection, processing and presentation by the Police under the Administration of Criminal Justice legislation in Nigeria. The Police are the lead law enforcement agency in Nigeria with the primary duty to investigate and detect crimes. The collection, preservation and forensic analysis of evidence are critical in determining a person's guilt or a person's innocence. Using the doctrinal research methodology, the paper discussed; the Importance of the Police in the Administration of the Administration of Justice Act (ACJ Act) 2015, Meaning and Types of Evidence, Police and Evidence Collection, Power of the Police to Collect Evidence, Refusal to Submit to Collection, Electronic Retention of Evidence, Handling of Evidence, Tips on how to keep Evidence Secure and Presentation of Evidence. The paper observed and concluded amongst others that in the Courts, the Police have found themselves in a precarious situation in relation to collection of evidence while professionalism is not often displayed and therefore leading losing most of their cases in the Courts. The paper recommended the urgent need to establish more forensic centres with the requisite manpower and training as well as improve the welfare of the Police