ASHIRU MUIDEEN ABIODUN

Public and Private Law

At the Public And Private Law department office

Appointment on Visitation important

Topic: Criminal Law And Justice

Description:

My research interest is centred on Criminal Law and Criminal Justice, with particular emphasis on the legal, institutional, and policy frameworks that promote fairness, accountability, and effectiveness within the criminal justice system. I am interested in examining the substantive and procedural dimensions of criminal law, including criminal liability, sentencing, prosecutorial discretion, plea bargaining, victims' rights, and the administration of justice. My research also explores the interaction between criminal law and emerging contemporary issues such as technology, artificial intelligence, cybercrime, data protection, financial crimes, and transnational criminal justice.

A key objective of my research is to identify gaps in existing legal and institutional frameworks and to propose practical reforms that strengthen the rule of law, safeguard fundamental human rights, and improve access to justice. I adopt both doctrinal and empirical research approaches to evaluate the effectiveness of criminal justice policies and institutions, particularly within the Nigerian legal system, while drawing comparative insights from other jurisdictions. Through my research, I seek to contribute to scholarly discourse, inform legislative and policy reforms, and support the development of a criminal justice system that is efficient, transparent, rights-based, and responsive to the evolving challenges of modern society.

#	Certificate	School	Year
1.	LL. M. (Law)	University of Lagos	2020

Ph.D: Regulating Prosecutorial Roles and Powers in Plea Bargaining in Nigeria

This research examines the legal and institutional framework governing prosecutorial roles and powers in plea bargaining under the Nigerian criminal justice system. Plea bargaining has become an important mechanism for the efficient disposal of criminal cases, reducing trial delays, promoting judicial economy, and facilitating asset recovery. However, the broad discretionary powers vested in prosecutors, coupled with the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework, have raised concerns regarding inconsistency, transparency, accountability, abuse of discretion, and the protection of the rights of defendants, victims, and the public.

The primary aim of the study is to develop a coherent legal and institutional framework for regulating prosecutorial roles and powers in plea bargaining in Nigeria. Specifically, the research seeks to examine the existing legal regime governing plea bargaining, evaluate the extent and exercise of prosecutorial discretion, identify gaps and challenges in the current framework, undertake a comparative analysis of selected jurisdictions, and propose reforms that will enhance fairness, accountability, consistency, and public confidence in the administration of criminal justice.

The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining doctrinal legal research with empirical methodology. The doctrinal component involves an examination of statutes, case law, judicial decisions, policy documents, and relevant academic literature. The empirical component employs surveys and interviews with prosecutors, judges, legal practitioners, and other key stakeholders to assess practical experiences and institutional challenges associated with plea bargaining in Nigeria.

The expected outcome is the formulation of a comprehensive regulatory model that clearly defines prosecutorial responsibilities, strengthens oversight and accountability mechanisms, and promotes uniform standards in plea bargaining practice. The study is expected to contribute to knowledge by providing the first integrated framework for regulating prosecutorial discretion in plea bargaining in Nigeria, thereby enriching legal scholarship, informing legislative and policy reforms, and advancing a more efficient, transparent, and rights-based criminal justice system.

ASHIRU ABIODUN is a Lecturer II at the Department of Public and Private Law

ASHIRU has a LL. M. in Law from University of Lagos