LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR CURBING TRANSNATIONAL ORGANISED CRIME IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Transnational organised crime has significantly impeded the growth and development of many countries striving for globalisation. Thus, international cooperation is a crucial tool in combating transnational organized crime. This cooperation involved due process and forms including extradition and mutual legal assistance to effectively address transnational criminal activities. This article adopts doctrinal method in interrogating the legal and institutional frameworks for international cooperation on the fight against transnational organized crime in Nigeria. It examines the challenges posed by transitional organised crimes, identified forms of transnational organized crimes across nations and explored strategies to assist states in capacity building towards combating. It found that the subsisting legal frameworks for transnational organised crime in Nigeria is inadequate and has therefore hindered cross-border law enforcement efforts. It therefore recommends overhauling of the legal and regulatory frameworks for extradition, mutual legal assistance, and prisoner transfers, increasing awareness and effective utilization of the concept of international cooperation in combating transnational organized crime in Nigeria. Furthermore, Nigeria should formulate a clear policy to enhance existing domestic legislation, treaties, and policy frameworks related to joint investigations, transfer of criminal proceedings, letters rogatory, and the recognition and enforcement of foreign criminal judgments.