Abuja — The Citizens Liberties Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), under the leadership of Nuhu J. Egya, has issued a powerful call to action, urging all law enforcement agencies across Nigeria to uphold the highest standards of human rights in the discharge of their duties.
In a democratic society, the role of law enforcement is not merely to enforce the law but to do so within the boundaries of constitutional protections and human dignity. The Committee emphasized that safeguarding the rights and liberty of citizens in detention is not optional — it is a legal and moral imperative.
Raising concerns over disturbing patterns of abuse, the NBA Citizens Liberties Committee cited widespread arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention without trial, and inhumane conditions in detention facilities as systemic failures that erode public trust and threaten the foundation of the rule of law.
The Committee Urges Immediate Reforms:
- Adherence to Due Process and Fair Trial Rights
- Provision of Humane Conditions in All Detention Facilities
- Accountability for Human Rights Violations by Law Enforcement Officers
- Strengthening Oversight Mechanisms and Access to Legal Aid
Chairman Nuhu J. Egya noted, “Justice must not begin and end in the courtroom. It must be embedded in every stage of interaction between citizens and law enforcement. Every Nigerian deserves justice from the point of arrest to the final adjudication.”
The NBA reiterated its commitment to championing legal reforms, citizen protection, and a justice system that balances security with fundamental freedoms.
As the nation navigates pressing security and governance challenges, the Committee called on all stakeholders—lawyers, civil society, security agencies, and policymakers—to work collaboratively toward a Nigeria where security and human rights go hand in hand.
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