ENFORCING COURT JUDGEMENTS IN NIGERIA: RE-EVALUATING THE ROLES OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND POLICE FOR A ROBUST JUDICIARY

Abstract

This article critically examined the enforcement of court judgements in Nigeria, focusing on the legal framework and the roles of the police and the Attorney General under the Sheriff and Civil Process Act, 2004. The effectiveness of the enforcement of court judgements in Nigeria is a subject matter that has continually raised questions particularly when it comes to the role of the Police and the Attorney General in the enforcement process. Hence, this article explores the historical evolution, legal underpinnings, and practical implications of the existing enforcement mechanisms. This article further identifies significant gaps in the literature and discusses the issues that arise when the state or its institutions are the subjects of judgements. The article argues for the creation of an independent Judiciary Task Force vested with the powers to enforce court judgements as a way to mitigate conflicts of interest and improve the efficacy of the justice system and further proposes various policy changes, legal reforms, and stakeholder engagement strategies aimed at improving the current system.