CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN NIGERIA: THE IMPERATIVE ROLE OF SOCIAL WORK

Abstract

The Nigerian criminal justice system plays a vital role in upholding law, order, and the protection of citizens’ rights. Despite constitutional guarantees and international commitments, it continues to face systemic challenges such as arbitrary arrests, prolonged pre-trial detention, torture, extrajudicial killings, and prison overcrowding. These violations erode public trust and highlight the gap between justice administration and the protection of human rights. This study explores the intersection of criminal justice and human rights in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on the often-overlooked role of social work. Drawing on human rights–based and social justice theoretical frameworks, the paper argues that social workers can serve as advocates, counselors, mediators, and agents of systemic reform, promoting restorative justice and offender rehabilitation while safeguarding victims’ rights. Empirical studies demonstrate that integrating social work into policing, judiciary, and correctional institutions enhances fairness, accountability, and reintegration. The study concludes that meaningful reform of Nigeria’s justice system requires moving beyond punitive approaches toward rights-based and restorative models in which social work plays a central role. Recommendations include formal policy recognition of social work in justice processes, increased funding for rehabilitation programs, and nationwide campaigns to reduce stigma and strengthen community reintegration.