The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Tanko Muhammad, on Monday called on judges not to allow criminals to escape justice due to technicalities in cases before them.

He added that poor investigating and prosecution were endangering victims, witnesses, others, urging the judges to overcome such.

The CJN, while speaking at the opening of the National Workshop for Investigators and Prosecutors, organised by the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, stated that justice should be served to all cases presided over by the judges.

He said, “It is often painful to see offenders walk away on technicalities just because due diligence was not observed during investigation or in the course of the trial.

“To this end, your respective responsibilities have lasting impact on the peace, security and stability of this nation, flowing from the fact that the presence or absence of undesirable elements in the society is firmly situate within your day-to-day activities and the powers conferred on you via different legislations.

“Therefore, failure to diligently investigate and prosecute can further endanger victims, witnesses, and other vulnerable persons.

“I have no doubt that this workshop will identify aspects that require improvement and through this, form a network aimed at promoting cooperation among stakeholders in the criminal justice sector.”

The administrator of NJI, Justice Salisu Garba, reiterated the need for judges to be proactive in discharging their duties and not allow technicalities stand on the path of substantive justice.