PARTICIPATION OF VICTIMS OF CRIMES IN JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS INNIGERIA: TOWARDS A PARADIGM SHIFT?

Abstract

This article examines the involvement of crime victims in judicial process within the Nigerian context, emphasizing the evolving recognition of victim rights and the critical role they play in the criminal justice system. Historically marginalized, victims are now increasingly acknowledged as essential participants rather than mere witnesses. Ultimately, the paper answers the question of whether or not crime victims are allowed any sort of participation in judicial proceedings in Nigeria. The article explores the current legal frameworks, including the Nigerian Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), and the Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Act, highlighting their provisions for victim participation and rights. Despite these advancements, significant barriers remain, such as legal, psychosocial, and institutional challenges that hinder meaningful victim involvement. The paper also discusses recent reform efforts and the impact of civil society organizations in advocating for victims' rights. By adopting a doctrinal approach of methodology, the article aims to contribute to the discourse on enhancing the involvement of victims in the administration of criminal justice, by advocating for reforms that prioritize victim dignity and agency in the pursuit of justice. The paper concludes that effective victim participation not only empowers individuals but also enhances the overall integrity of the judicial process and then amongst many recommendations, the paper recommends that conscious efforts should be made in the legal systems to explicitly recognize and protect the rights of crime victims generally and in judicial proceedings particularly.