Journal of Law and Criminal Justice

Reconceptualising the Role of Law in Countering Terrorism: A Case Study of Boko Haram in Nigeria
Tarela Juliet Ike

Abstract
Over the years, Boko Haram has raised international headlines due to its terrorist activities which caused significant security threat to the peace and stability of Nigeria. This raises concern on the role of law in curbing the menace. Such role appears questionable due to the presence of stringent laws such as the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 enacted to punish and dissuade terrorism. Based on an exploratory case study of empirical research and scholarly peer-reviewed articles, it appeared apparent that, while there is need to strengthen the criminal justice system such as the courts in the dispensation of justice, however, trust and effective collaboration with the police is important. In addition, such collaboration should also take into consideration, issues of public trust on the police as this plays a crucial role in receiving intelligence and reporting violent extremism imperative for countering terrorism. Thus, the paper argued that, without addressing the efficiency of the court in dispensing justice alongside effective collaboration with relevant stakeholders, chances are that the purpose of the law to curb and deter terrorism might not be achieved. Hence the need for reconceptualising the role of law in countering terrorism in order to further improves its efficacy.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jlcj.v6n1a9