"A Corridor of Corruption": Perception of Kidnappers, Victims of Kidnapping and Their Relations on the Administration of Criminal Justice in Selected States of Nigeria

This study investigated the perception of kidnappers, victims of kidnapping and their relations on the administration of criminal justice in selected states of Nigeria with a view to underscore its implication with regards to the prevalence of kidnapping. The study utilized the qualitative method–in-depth interviews and key informant interviews in generating data from 60 interviewees for the study. The qualitative data collected from the study was analyzed using a manual content analysis. The study showed that there is generally corruption, ineffectiveness and inefficiency amongst the police, court and prison officials and that this has led to public loss of confidence and distrust in them which situation, kidnappers exploit to their advantage. Based on the findings, it is recommended that government should stop paying lip service to the fight against corruption, inefficiency and ineffectiveness in the public service but instead take concrete steps to stem the rising tide. Besides, a review of the conditions of service of the police, prison and judicial officers, there is the need to provide functional vehicles to the police, court and prison authorities as well as renovating and refurbishing dilapidated buildings and furniture in the various courts so as to boost their morale and increase efficient and effective service delivery. Keywords: Kidnapping, Criminal Justice system, Victims of kidnapping, Nigeri