An arrest by the police does not take away a person’s constitutional rights.
The Nigerian Constitution guarantees several protections for anyone arrested or detained, while legal experts advise citizens to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement officers and assert their rights lawfully.
Here are five important rights every Nigerian should know.
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1. Right to Know Why You Are Being Arrested
A person should ordinarily be informed of the reason for their arrest, except where doing so could interfere with an ongoing investigation or the interests of justice.
2. Right to Remain Silent
You have the constitutional right to remain silent until you have consulted a lawyer or another person of your choice.
Police are expected to inform suspects of this right before taking any statement.
3. Right to a Lawyer and Family Contact
An arrested person has the right to contact a legal practitioner and inform a family member or another trusted person about their arrest and whereabouts.
4. Right to Presumption of Innocence
Being arrested or accused of an offence does not make anyone guilty.
Every suspect remains innocent until convicted by a competent court after a fair hearing.
5. Right to Humane Treatment
Police officers are required to treat suspects with dignity.
Arrested persons are entitled to medical care where necessary, decent detention conditions and lawful treatment while in custody.
The Constitution also requires that anyone arrested be brought before a court within a reasonable time, subject to the circumstances of the case.
Legal experts advise citizens to cooperate with law enforcement officers while asserting their rights peacefully and seeking legal assistance where necessary.
