As citizens prepare to celebrate the popular Ileya Festivals, like many other preparations for religious holidays, there is reported to be an increase in arrests and detentions by the Nigerian Police in the past week.
Perhaps an increase in arrests made at these festive periods may be attributed to an increase in criminal activities where people throw caution to the wind and in their excitement, are prone to commit certain misdemeanors and even felonies.
However, the percentage of actual criminals compared to law abiding citizens who get arrested and detained for just being the target of corrupt policemen is very minimal.
Lawyers in the Duty Solicitors Network (DSN) have raised concerns over the trend of continued police harassments, illegal arrests, detention, torture and extortion of citizens. It's almost like #ENDSARS never happened.
In light of this, DSN; a network of lawyers in government and private legal practice are set to cooperate once again with the Judiciary to ensure that the rights of citizens are protected during this festive period.
DSN, with support from individuals and organisations like the Justice Reform Project are motivated in ensuring that our citizens enjoy the full protection of the law as they volunteer their time to visit police detention centers in this season.
DSN calls on the Nigeria Police to be professional at all times and not to allow themselves to be used as tools for injustice.
The police should respect the Constitution regarding the rights of citizens as they continue in their duties to keep the peace within our communities.
DSN also calls on citizens to be law abiding during this period, respect the authorities and refrain from taking civil related matters to the police.
Bayo Akinlade Esq.
Convener, DSN.
 DECRIES THE RATE OF ILLEGAL POLICE DETENTION OF CITIZENS AND CHARGES DSN AND OTHER BODIES TO COOPERATE WITH THE JUDICIARY TO PROTECT NIGERIANS FROM POLICE EXTORTION DURING THE UPCOMING FESTIVE PERIOD. ){kind=link}
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