| dc.description.abstract | Nigerian security agencies are essential for upholding law and order, national security, and citizen safety. Yet, their frequent misuse of detention powers through arbitrary arrests, prolonged pre-trial custody, and flouting of constitutional limits undermines democratic governance, erodes public trust, and fuels human rights abuses. Unchecked authority not only fosters systemic abuse and weakens the rule of law but also enables political repression disguised as security measures, jeopardizing Nigeria's democratic stability and good governance. These brief urges legislative safeguards, including stronger judicial oversight, parliamentary accountability, and independent monitoring, to balance security needs with fundamental rights. In view of this, the following recommendations are proposed:
o The National Assembly Committee on Police Affairs may wish to enforce the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) adherence by requiring monthly police reports on arraignment timelines. It should further recommend budgetary sanctions against non-compliant commands to deter prolonged unlawful detentions.
o Introduce Enforceable Sanctions and Budgetary Controls: National Assembly should tie security agencies’ appropriations to measurable compliance with detention safeguards, impose budgetary restrictions for persistent violations, and criminalize disobedience of court orders with mandatory contempt proceedings.
o NASS should intensify its oversight of the National Human Rights Commission to ensure that it carry out effective inspection and reporting of abuse of detention powers by security and intelligence agencies. NHRC should also implement a centralized digital custody and bail tracking system to prevent manipulation, delay, and unlawful prolonged detention. | en_US |
