ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview and the evolution of the existing legal framework for witness protection in Nigeria. It discusses the existing statutory provisions for protecting persons exposed to harm for cooperating with law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, witness protection policy documents, as well as Nigeria’s witness protection obligations under international law. This chapter highlights the emerging case law in Nigeria which provides a basis for assessing judicial clarification on the concept of witness protection. The chapter highlights the inadequacies in the existing legal framework. These are highlighted around five critical areas: the definition of witness protection; the scope of beneficiaries requiring protection; the nature of crimes necessitating protection; the nature of protective measures; and the administrative control of witness protection. It lays a foundation for consideration in subsequent chapters of the aspects of witness protection that require legal and conceptual clarification.
