An appraisal of the implications of extraordinary rendition on the rights of victims under the Nigerian criminal justice regime

Abstract

The power of the state to engage in extraordinary rendition of its citizens has been a subject of controversy among persons of different strata both in Nigeria and all over the world. Many countries of the world adopt this practice in making sure that those who are suspected of having committed an offence are produced to stand trial. Several incidents of extraordinary rendition over the world have raised the question of the legality or otherwise of the process as well as its implication on human rights. It is against this background that this work examines the legality or otherwise of extraordinary rendition under the Nigerian criminal justice regime and goes on to identify its implications on the rights of victims. It was discovered that extraordinary rendition does not conform to the principles regulating the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria. It also violates the established national and international laws on extradition. It was further discovered that it usually results in the violation of the fundamental rights of victims of the process. In consequence of the foregoing, this work recommended the need for an international law regime that punishes states that indulge in extraordinary rendition. The work also recommends improved national and international regimes in this area.