Checking the Increasing Insecurity and Crime Rate in Nigeria Resulting From Juju Practice

Religion is a serious constitutional question, the handling of which could make or mar any nation. In Nigeria, there are basically three religions: African Traditional Religion, Christianity, and Islam. Citizens are free to practise, promote, and propagate religions of their choices. Many Nigerians combine at least two of these three faiths. Most religious questions are metaphysical. Courts of law do not decide metaphysical questions. In recent times, there has been increase in the deliberate use of juju to fortify oneself so as to commit crimes without detection. This increases insecurity and crime rate in the Nigerian society. Law enforcement agencies acknowledge the negative impact of juju on the security of Nigeria. This paper examines the impact of juju practice on the security and administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, including the constitutional right of the citizens to practise juju as part of their African Traditional Religion. Doctrinal research methodology is used in collating and critically analysing relevant data, statutes, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, judicial authorities, interviews, and news items. The paper concludes that juju practice has serious negative impact on the security and administration of criminal justice in Nigeria. It, therefore, recommends, inter alia, that States register and monitor practitioners of juju using their members, and that courts of law should stop shying away from the realities of juju.