By Hadiza Nasir Ahmad Esq
Selective justice poses a severe threat to the rule of law, functioning not as a tool for justice but as a sponsor of injustice.
This practice contradicts the fundamental principle of equality before the law, making the application of the rule of law arduous.
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The efficiency of the Criminal Justice System suffers when justice is incomplete without upholding the rule of law, a critical component of any democratic state that ensures fair, just, and impartial laws, acting as a safeguard against tyranny and selective justice.
Selective justice, marked by unevenly applied legal actions influenced by bias, political considerations, or personal interests, fosters a perception of unfairness within the legal system.
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The case of Murja Ibrahim Kunya and Ramlat Boutique exemplifies the glaring issues of selective justice. While Murja’s arrest involved complex circumstances, her subsequent release, re-arrest, and court order to be at the pleasure of doctor, pending when the case will be resumed for Hisbah and psychiatric reports raised a significant questions about the fairness and impartiality of the justice system.
This approach may help reduce the severity of punishment, especially in light of the alleged offense she committed. Instead of the Correctional Center being seen solely as a place of her custody pending when the court will reconvene. This could also serve as an opportunity for reflection and correction. But she is not beneficial of these processes.
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Additionally, the handling of Ramlat Boutique’s case, from arrest to conviction, underscores the disparity in legal treatment.
Numerous questions surround Murja’s case, such as the identity of the party responsible for her initial release, the charges against her, and the extended adjournment of the case.
The case was adjourned to May which is unsual in this type of cases.
It is alleged that there was absence of First Information Report, (FIR) and was not read to her.
The lack of inquiry into her alleged escape from prison. Although, spokesperson of the Kano Correctional Service, Musbahu Lawan Kofar Nasarawa In a statement said she was not escaped but released pursuant to the court instruction.
Additionally the absence of a First Information Report (F.I.R) seriously raise concerns.
Similarly, the potential offense of intoxication in court prompts questions about legal consequences.
Furthermore, Murja was arrested together with a guy who was already convicted and sentenced to six month or option of thirty thousand Naira fine.
Simirlarly! Ramlat was also convicted and sentenced to prison without option of fine.
Public scrutiny and community complaints against Murja highlight the demand for transparent justice without bias or favoritism. Justice, to be effective, should be visible to the members of the community, fostering trust in the legal system.
justice weakens the criminal justice system by allowing the powerful to evade accountability for their actions.
This exacerbates the public’s lack of confidence and trust in the system, hindering the fundamental human right of access to justice.
Governments must ensure the effective application of human rights to eradicate selective justice.
The state’s responsibility to treat all citizens equally before the law, without preferential treatment, must be upheld.
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Collaboration between the government and the judiciary is crucial to impartially investigate every criminal case and uphold the principles of due process throughout the criminal justice process.
In conclusion, selective justice remains a pressing concern that demands immediate attention to preserve the integrity of the rule of law and ensure equal justice for all citizens.
Hadiza Nasir Ahmad Esq is Kano based Legal Practitioner
