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From Godwin Tsa, Abuja.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF) Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has cautioned security agencies against detaining suspects beyond the constitutional time frame.
Fagbemi warned that any security outfit found detaining suspects beyond the constitutional time frame would be severely sanctioned.
While speaking in Abuja at the annual lecture of the Human Rights Writers Association (HURIWA), the AGF specifically admonished security agencies to always abide by provisions of section 35 of the 1999 Constitution in relation to rights of suspects in their custody.
He described the topic of the lecture:”Governance, Security, and Human Rights,” as 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 and appropriate sanctions shall be meted out to those found guilty of contravening the laws of the land.
According to him, the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not condone any reprehensible action and as the Chief Law Officer of this country, he will ensure no one tramples on the rights of another person.
“On this note, 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.
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“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”, he pleaded..
Earlier in his address, the national coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko emphasized the need for political leaders to create a legal framework that projects human rights as well as mechanisms for their enforcement and accountability.
Onwubiko noted that political leaders play a significant role in upholding and promoting human rights through the policies they implement, the laws they enact and the decisions they make.
He said, “by respecting and protecting human rights, political leaders demonstrate their commitment to the well-being and dignity of all individuals within their jurisdiction.
“Effective political leadership involves ensuring that human rights are not only recognized on paper but also upheld in practice. This includes promoting equality, non-discrimination, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, the right to a fair trial, and other fundamental rights and freedoms.
Moreover, political leaders have a responsibility to address human rights violations, whether committed by state actors or non- state actors. They must ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and that victims have access to justice and remedies.
“By promoting a culture of respect for human rights within their societies, political leaders can contribute to building a more just, inclusive, and peaceful society.The time to act is now and all stakeholders here present and political leadership in society should brace up to the challenge and put the rampage of human rights abuse to a halt.It is no longer holding talks but working the talk”.
