Attorney General of the Federation Bans Nigeria Police from Parading Suspects, Citing Violations of Fundamental Rights, Discrimination, and Potential Reputational Harm to Individuals
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has prohibited the Nigeria Police Force from parading suspects. This practice, where individuals are publicly displayed as crime suspects, has now been officially banned.
Senior police officers in the Federal Capital Territory and Lagos State confirmed receiving the directive, which they say was communicated earlier this month. One officer shared, “I am aware of it. The directive came from the AGF, and we have started complying.” Another added, “Yes, we have been instructed to stop parading suspects.”
Police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that the force will release an official statement in due course regarding the ban. Meanwhile, Femi Falana (SAN), a human rights lawyer, welcomed the ban, calling the practice illegal. He pointed out that parading suspects violates the presumption of innocence and discriminates against lower-level offenders.
Falana noted that numerous court judgments have declared suspect parades unlawful, and he stressed that such displays often lead to public mob justice, even when incriminating statements made during parades are inadmissible in court.
Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) also criticized the practice, highlighting the reputational damage it causes to individuals, especially when they are later found innocent. He urged the Inspector General of Police to enforce the ban, emphasizing that individuals should only be presented to the public after a court trial, not before.
The AGF’s move marks a significant step toward upholding the rights of criminal suspects and reducing unjust public exposure.
Follow News Review on Facebook and X
, has prohibited the Nigeria Police Force from parading suspects. This practice, where individuals are publicly displayed as crime suspects, has now been officially banned.){kind=link}