Harvest of arrests but no prosecution: ideation toward strengthening the legal regime for prosecuting pirates in Nigeria. Issue 4 (1st October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Anele, Kalu Kingsley
• Is Part Of: Commonwealth law bulletin. Volume 46:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 611
• Page End: 639
• Publication Date: 2020-10-01
• Subjects: Law -- Commonwealth countries -- Periodicals; 349.11241
• DOI: 10.1080/03050718.2020.1774402
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-0718

Abstract

Abstract : Prosecuting pirates in local courts is one of the most effective ways to suppress piracy. Hence, appropriate legal regime is imperative for prosecuting pirates. Despite the spate of piracy off the Nigerian coast and its attendant consequences, there has been no prosecution of pirates in the country. This paper examined the nature of piracy in Nigeria, the legal basis for prosecuting pirates, challenges in piracy prosecution and measures to enhance the prosecution of pirates in the country. The paper argued that prosecuting pirates is pivotal in curbing piracy and to effectively prosecute pirates, Nigeria should enforce its domestic law criminalising piracy.