FROM PLEA BARGAIN TO ‘LOOT BARGAIN’ IN SEARCH OF PROCEEDS OF CRIME: A TRAVESTY OF THE NIGERIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

Abstract

Reforms in the administration of criminal justice and the imperative of compliance with global best practices have propelled the need for speedy trials, efficient and cost effective dispensation of justice. Thus, various means of speedy trial, efficient and cost effective dispensation of criminal justice have evolved. One of such is the concept of Plea Bargain. While plea bargain has its benefit in the form of saving cost of prosecution and ensuring speedy criminal justice dispensation, the disturbing phenomenon in Nigeria, however, is the manner in which the law enforcement agencies have misused the idea in allowing criminal defendants determine or agree to the amount of loot to be returned and still get an insignificant sentence or even fines is worrisome. In plea bargaining, it is only the charges and possibly punishment and not the loot that is bargained. This paper condemns the manner of misuse and abuse of plea bargain in Nigeria and makes laudable recommendation for the effective and efficient use of plea bargain in Nigeria.