A Bill for an Act to Establish Jury Trials and Services for Special Crimes, Corruption, and Other Offences, and the Administration of Jury Trials Criminal Justice Bill, in the Federal High Court and F.C.T Division; and for Related Matters

Abstract

This Bill seeks to establish trial by Jury, jury service and, the Jury Service Department under the judiciary which shall administer this Bill; integrate honest, patriotic, Nigerians of unquestionable character and integrity who have some form of education, a high sense of rectitude and reside in the society where the alleged crime/corruption act of not less than Ten Million Naira occurred, and whose data is available on any of the Federal government's national database, to adjudicate as a court empanelled Jury of not more than 12 jurors, in such cases which the anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) decide to prosecute with jury trial. It is prescribed to comply with Section 98C subsection 3e of the Criminal Code Act, which recognises members of jury as judicial officers, and provide the implementation framework for which these judicial officers shall function, to ensure speedy dispensation of justice, and that all criminal cases to be prosecuted under this Bill focuses only on the facts and evidence as presented in court rather than legal technicalities, and reach a verdict based on the citizens of the societies' decision on the questions of the facts. It shall also promote citizens participation in governance, and provide a platform for patriotic citizens to contribute meaningful and positively to the society where they reside and country at large.