Trumped– up charges by law enforcement agencies in Nigeria: Causes, effects and the way forward

It is a notorious fact that traits of impunity by way of arraignment on trumped – up charges are on the increase on the part of Law Enforcement Agencies in Nigeria. There is a need to adhere to constitutionalism by Nigeria as a developing nation and an emerging democracy in Africa. There were instances where prosecution by the police and other law enforcement agencies serves some other ends other than the course of justice. An example of this is where there is a trumped – up charge against citizens without prima facie evidence to prosecute for such offences alleged. The paper observed impunity on the part of the law enforcement agencies in Nigeria especially with respect to arraigning citizens on trumped – up charges to serve other ends other than that of justice. Trumped – up charges may lead to anarchy if it continues. This is one of the findings of this research. This paper examined trump up charges by law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, its causes, effects and proffered solutions to this growing menace in order to nip it in the bud.