The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, delivered a cautionary message to security agents in the country regarding the lawful detention of suspects.
In particular, he emphasized the importance of abiding by the provisions of Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution, which pertains to the rights of individuals in custody.
During his address at the yearly lecture of the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) in Abuja, the AGF stressed that security agents must adhere to the constitutional guidelines and refrain from exceeding the permissible period of detention.
He unequivocally stated that any violation in this regard would result in severe sanctions against the responsible parties.
Under the theme of 'Governance, Security, and Human Rights', the AGF underscored the significance of addressing critical issues facing the nation. He emphasized the necessity for law enforcement agents to exercise due diligence prior to making arrests and underlined the government's zero tolerance for prolonged and unlawful detention, along with the promise of appropriate repercussions for those found culpable.
The AGF affirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu's administration to upholding the rule of law, ensuring that the rights of every individual are safeguarded. He also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of HURIWA in advancing human rights through their advocacy and public outreach efforts.
In commemorating the 17th lecture series, the AGF urged collective efforts in fostering a Nigeria where good governance, security, and human rights harmoniously coexist. He emphasized the pursuit of a society where every Nigerian can live free from fear and oppression, with full respect for their rights and the prevalence of justice.