Cautioning security agents in the country, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice AGF, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized the importance of not detaining suspects beyond the legally permissible timeframe.
Prince Lateef Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, specifically reminded security agents to consistently adhere to the stipulations of Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution concerning the rights of individuals in their custody.
Speaking at the yearly lecture of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) in Abuja, Fagbemi issued a warning that severe sanctions await any security personnel found exceeding the constitutionally prescribed detention period for suspects.
The focus of his lecture was on ‘Governance, Security, and Human Rights,’ addressing critical issues confronting the nation presently.
He emphasized the need for law enforcement agencies to exercise caution before making arrests, stressing that instances of prolonged detention beyond the constitutional limit or court order will no longer be tolerated.
Fagbemi stressed that strict penalties will be enforced on those guilty of unlawful detention practices.
As the Chief Law Officer of the nation, he affirmed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu will not condone any wrongful actions infringing on the rights of others.
He stated, “I urge our law enforcement agents to uphold the laws of the land and refrain from keeping individuals in custody beyond the reasonable timeframe stipulated in Section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.”
“Law enforcement officers need to conduct thorough investigations before making any arrests. Instances where individuals are held in detention facilities beyond the allowed time as per the constitution or court directive will face appropriate consequences for violating the laws of the nation.
“The leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not tolerate any misconduct, and in my capacity as the chief legal officer of the country, I will ensure that no one tramples on the rights of another individual.
“The contribution of HURIWA to this cause is invaluable. Your persistent advocacy and public enlightenment play a pivotal role in advancing human rights in Nigeria.
“As we mark the 17th edition of this lecture series, let us reaffirm our commitment to collaborating for a Nigeria where good governance, security, and human rights can coexist harmoniously.
“Let us endeavor to build a society where every Nigerian can live without fear or oppression, where their rights are upheld, and where justice prevails.”