A detailed study of criminal prosecutions in Nigeria since the country’s return to democratic rule in 1999 reveals the dramatic roles played by the media in cases after cases.


I describe the role of the media as dramatic because in many cases the outcome of an investigation and prosecution of a criminal case is determined by the media before the judges is to give her judgment. In such situation where the media have consistently been a major outcome determinant of cases, any serious study of the Nigerian criminal justice requires a close assessment of the role of the media.

For clarity, one must start by examining the ideal role of the media in relation to administration of justice and human rights. The media play a very important role in reporting the activities of law enforcement agencies in the fight against crimes and in their observance of due process and faur hearing standards set by the Constitution and laws of the country. The media bring transparency and accountability in the administration of criminal justice. This is because the media have the power to shape and influence the public opinion about an issue, as well as the opinion of judicial officers, court officials, law enforcement agencies and witnesses in a case