The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has issued a stern warning to security agents in Nigeria, emphasizing the need to adhere strictly to the legal time limits for detaining suspects. This caution was delivered during his address at the annual lecture organized by the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) in Abuja on Thursday.
Fagbemi highlighted the importance of upholding the provisions of Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, which protects the rights of individuals in custody. He underscored that any deviation from these legal stipulations would attract severe consequences for the offending security personnel. “Any security agents found detaining suspects beyond the Constitution-allowed period will be severely sanctioned,” Fagbemi declared, signaling a zero-tolerance stance towards unlawful detentions.
The AGF stressed that law enforcement agents must exercise due diligence before making arrests. He expressed concern over the prevalent issue of suspects languishing in detention cells beyond the time permitted by law or court orders. “Situations where people are languishing in detention cells beyond the time allowed under the constitution or by order of the courts will no longer be tolerated. Appropriate sanctions shall be meted out to those found guilty of contravening the laws of the land,” Fagbemi asserted.
Fagbemi’s remarks reflect the broader commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to uphold the rule of law and protect individual rights. He assured that the government would not condone any actions that violate the rights of citizens. “The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not condone any reprehensible action. As the Chief Law Officer of this country, I will ensure no one tramples on the rights of another person,” he stated emphatically.
The Attorney General’s address comes at a crucial time when concerns about human rights abuses by security agencies have been mounting. Reports of arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions without trial have raised alarms among human rights advocates and the general public. By reinforcing the legal boundaries within which security agents must operate, Fagbemi aims to restore confidence in Nigeria’s justice system and ensure that the fundamental rights of suspects are respected.
Fagbemi’s warning serves as a clear message to security agencies that the government is serious about enforcing legal standards and protecting human rights. It also underscores the necessity for a more professional and accountable law enforcement system in Nigeria. The emphasis on adhering to constitutional provisions and court orders is expected to lead to a more disciplined approach in the treatment of suspects, thereby reducing incidences of unlawful detention.
Human rights organizations, including HURIWA, have welcomed Fagbemi’s statements, viewing them as a positive step towards addressing the persistent issues of human rights violations by security personnel. They advocate for continued vigilance and accountability to ensure that the promises made by the AGF are implemented effectively.
In conclusion, Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi’s address at the HURIWA annual lecture marks a significant stance by the Nigerian government against unlawful detentions. By insisting on strict adherence to constitutional provisions and warning of severe sanctions for non-compliance, Fagbemi aims to foster a justice system that respects and protects the rights of all citizens. This move is expected to enhance the professionalism of security agencies and restore public trust in the rule of law in Nigeria.
