By Deborah Oladeji

LAGOS — Convener of the Fast-Track Prosecution System, Richard Iyasere, has said Nigeria’s fight against insecurity requires more than the arrest of criminals, stressing that swift prosecution of suspects involved in kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes is essential to tackling the country’s security challenges while preserving due process.

Speaking during a media briefing, Iyasere, popularly known as DaddyRich, said delays in the judicial system had weakened efforts to combat crime.

“You and I know that Nigeria’s judicial system is compromised. We all know that. The delay system in the judicial system is even doing more harm than the criminals on the street themselves,” he said.

He explained that the proposed Fast-Track Prosecution System would ensure that suspects arrested for specified offences are tried within two weeks without infringing on their human rights.

“There has to be a way where anybody in this area is caught and, within two weeks, this person is tried, without infringing on any human rights, making sure due process is still followed, but just making it faster than normal,” he said.

Iyasere commended the Edo State Government for adopting the proposal, expressing hope that other states would follow suit.

Responding to concerns that accelerated trials could undermine fair hearing, he said the initiative would not compromise due process.

“This would not change any of those things around. As a matter of fact, it will enhance a better way. There would be a monitoring body overseeing this fast track, ensuring that most of these human rights violations are not committed,” he said.

On whether the judiciary has the capacity to implement the initiative, Iyasere said: “They have the capacity, but are they willing?”

He added that a monitoring body would help ensure proper implementation of the system.

Iyasere also called for collaboration among government, communities and relevant agencies, saying public awareness and grassroots engagement would be critical to the success of the initiative.

“The major thing is the message, getting the message out there and getting into the grassroots and all the different agencies to come together,” he said.

On youth development, Iyasere described Nigeria’s greatest resource as its human capacity and urged the government to formulate policies that would better engage young people.

He also identified integrity as the most essential quality for leadership, while encouraging Nigerians who aspire to become agents of change not to give up despite the challenges.

“I have received some threats… I don’t belong to any political party. I just want a better Nigeria,” he said.