SUSTAINABLE AND DEVELOPED INTER-BOUNDARY RELATIONSHIP: AN APPRAISAL OF NIGERIA’S EXTRADITION ACT

Abstract

Globalisation and the increasing volume of international interactions has led to a rise in cross-border crimes. When a Nigerian commits a crime in another country and absconds to Nigeria or commits such a crime from Nigeria, the foreign country must request Nigeria’s assistance in surrendering the suspect for trial. This process, known as extradition, is governed by the Extradition Act, Cap. E25 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, as amended by the Extradition (Amendment) Act, 2018. Extradition is an important mechanism for promoting international collaboration in criminal justice and maintaining the integrity of the global legal framework. This study examined the issues surrounding extradition of fugitive criminals in Nigeria, with a focus on section 3(3) of the Extradition Act. Employing a desktop study approach and secondary data, the research reveals that certain conditions for restricting the surrender of fugitives from Nigeria are discretionary. The study argued that the grounds for refusing to surrender a fugitive should be clear, precise, and ascertainable for Nigeria to maintain a sustainable and developed inter-boundary relations. Therefore, this paper called for a review of the Extradition Act to ensure that Nigeria’s extradition agreements with other countries are aligned with international best practices.