Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has cautioned security agents against detaining suspects beyond the time stipulated by law.
The AGF, who gave the warning yesterday in Abuja at the yearly lecture of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, warned that any security agent found detaining suspects beyond the constitutionally allowed period would be severely sanctioned.
He admonished security agents to always abide by the provisions of Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution in relation to the rights of suspects in their custody.
His lecture entitled ‘Governance, Security and Human Rights,’ addressed some of the most pressing issues currently facing the country, Fagbemi said law enforcement agents must exert due diligence before arresting anyone, adding that situations were people languish in detention cells beyond the time allowed under the constitution or by order of the courts would no longer be tolerated.
The AGF warned that appropriate sanctions would be meted out to those found guilty of unlawful detention.
According to him, the government of President Bola Tinubu will not condone any reprehensible action and as the chief law officer of the country, he would ensure that no one tramples on the rights of another.
“I wish to remind our law enforcement agents that they must respect the laws of the land and not keep people in detention beyond a reasonable time as stipulated in Section 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.
“Law enforcement agents must do due their diligence before arresting anyone. Situations where people languish in detention cells beyond the time allowed under the constitution or by order of the courts will no longer be tolerated and appropriate sanctions shall be meted out to those found guilty of contravening the laws of the land.
“The government of President Tinubu will not condone any reprehensible action and as the chief law officer of this country, I will ensure that no one tramples on the rights of another.
“The collaboration with HURIWA in this endeavor cannot be overstated. Your tireless advocacy and public education are vital to the advancement of human rights in Nigeria.
“As we commemorate the 17th lecture series, let us renew our commitment to work together for a Nigeria where good governance, security and human rights coexist harmoniously.
“Let us strive to create a society where every Nigerian can live free from fear and oppression, where their rights are respected and where justice prevails,” the AGF said.
