The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice AGF, Prince Lateef Fagbemi has cautioned security agents in the country against detaining suspects beyond the time allowed by law.
Fagbemi, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, specifically admonished security agents to always abide by provisions of Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution in relation to rights of suspects in their custody.
The AGF who spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the yearly lecture of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) warned that any security agents found detaining suspects beyond the constitutionally allowed period would be severely sanctioned.
His lecture revolved around ‘Governance, Security, and Human Rights’, which he claimed to be momentous as it addresses some of the most pressing issues facing the country today.
He said that law enforcement agents must do due their diligence before arresting anyone, adding that 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.
The AGF warned that appropriate sanctions will 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 will ensure no one tramples on the rights of another person.
The minister said, “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 are languishing 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 Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not condone any reprehensible action and as the chief law officer of this country, I will ensure no one tramples on the rights of another person.
“The collaboration of 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 this 17th lecture series, let us renew our commitment to working 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.”