Nigeria is at a critical crossroads. From kidnapping and banditry to armed robbery and cultism, criminal activities have not only become widespread but dangerously normalized. Across the country, especially in the northern region, families live in constant fear, while communities are repeatedly torn apart by violent attacks and abductions.

Terror groups such as Boko Haram, Ansar-ur-Islam, Islamic State West Africa Province(ISWAP) and others have sustained a cycle of violence, often targeting innocent civilians for ransom. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, over 2.24 million kidnapping incidents were recorded within a year, with an estimated ₦2.23 trillion paid as ransom. These figures are not mere statistics, they represent shattered lives, broken communities and a nation under siege.

At the heart of this crisis lies a fundamental problem: the failure of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

Cases drag endlessly through the courts. Investigations are often weak or compromised. Corruption undermines accountability, while overloaded judicial processes delay justice. In many instances, criminals exploit these systemic weaknesses, fully aware that the likelihood of swift punishment is low. 

As a result, crime continues to thrive.

This is where the Yoruba concept of “Pehun ni Kuto” becomes highly relevant. Literally meaning “call to account without delay,” "Pehun ni Kuto" emphasizes swift, decisive, and timely justice. It is not a call for mob action or extrajudicial punishment, but rather a demand for efficiency, where crimes are thoroughly investigated and judgments delivered without unnecessary delay. In essence, it promotes a system where justice is not only done, but done promptly.

If the Nigerian government adopts this principle, crime will not only reduce significantly, but individuals will begin to think twice before engaging in criminal acts. After all, ignorance is not an excuse under the law. Nigeria’s history provides examples of this principle in action. Notorious criminals like Lawrence Anini and Ishola Oyenusi were apprehended, tried, and executed within relatively short periods. While such measures may not fully align with modern human rights standards, they served as strong deterrents at the time, sending a clear message that crime carried swift consequences. Today, the reverse appears to be the case. Justice is slow, uncertain and often ineffective. This erosion of deterrence has emboldened criminal elements and weakened public confidence in the system.

To reverse this trend, Nigeria must embrace the principle behind "Pehun ni Kuto", not as a return to the past, but as a framework for reform. Swift justice, when combined with fairness and due process, remains one of the most effective tools for reducing crime. Studies consistently show that the certainty and speed of punishment deter crime more effectively than its severity.

The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken steps to address insecurity, including discussions around state policing and strengthening community-based security structures. While these efforts are commendable, they must be complemented by deep reforms within the justice system.

At the sub-national level, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has also taken proactive steps, including the establishment of a State Steering Committee on the Safe School Initiative to protect schools from kidnapping and banditry across the State. However, more must be done. Special courts for criminal cases should be established to fast-track trials. The judiciary must be strengthened through better funding, improved technology and increased personnel. Law enforcement agencies require modern investigative tools and continuous training. At the same time, strict safeguards must be put in place to prevent abuse, protect human rights and avoid wrongful convictions.

Beyond institutional reforms, Nigeria must also embrace moral and social reorientation. Society should promote values of discipline, responsibility and respect for the rule of law. Government must work closely with religious and community leaders, while also addressing unemployment and economic hardship, factors that often fuel criminal behaviour. Globally, countries such as Singapore, Japan, China, Rwanda and Saudi Arabia have demonstrated that efficient and timely justice systems can significantly reduce crime.

For instance, Saudi Arabia is widely known for its strict criminal penalties, including the death penalty for offences such as murder, terrorism and drug trafficking. Executions are carried out more frequently than in most countries, with over 2,000 executions reported since 2015, including 356 in 2025 alone and dozens more in 2026. While Nigeria must not copy this model wholesale, it can draw lessons about the importance of certainty and timeliness in justice delivery. Ultimately, the fight against criminality in Nigeria cannot be won through rhetoric alone. It requires a justice system that is swift, transparent, and effective. "Pehun ni Kuto" offers a guiding principle, one that emphasizes urgency without sacrificing fairness.

Nigeria is rich in socio-economic and cultural diversity, with abundant natural resources meant to benefit all citizens. However, insecurity continues to deny people access to these opportunities. To change this reality, perpetrators of crime must face the full weight of the law, promptly and fairly. If Nigeria is to reclaim its peace and stability, justice must no longer be delayed. It must be certain, it must be fair and above all, it must be swift.