DOI: 10.46340/eppd.2024.11.6.3
Dauda Adeyemi Ariyoosu, PhD
Lecturer, Faculty of Law, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Adeola Olufunke Kehinde, PhD
Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Nigeria
Muslim Olujide Omoleke, PhD
Lecturer, Faculty of Law, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Nigeria
How to cite: Ariyoosu, D. A., Kehinde, A. O., & Omoleke, M. O. (2024). Unconstitutionality of Police Brutality in Nigeria: Need for a Reform. Evropský politický a právní diskurz, 11, 6, 22-33. https://doi.org/10.46340/eppd.2024.11.6.3
Abstract
For every Nigerian, the right to life and dignity of the human person are guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. However, it has been noted that one of the major bodies that violates these fundamental human rights of Nigerians is the Nigeria Police Force. One cannot overestimate the level of brutality meted out to Nigerians by the police, and this has adverse effects on the environment. This paper examines the Police Act, bringing out its duties and the provisions of the Constitution, which also recognises the existence of the police. It reveals the level of abuse on the part of the police while identifying that the establishment law of the police is not complied with, bringing out the inadequacies of the law. It contributes to the existing knowledge by revealing the level of inhumane treatment that citizens face with the police and the urgent need for a massive reform of the police to ensure a peaceful society and a safer environment. The methodology adopted in the study is doctrinal. Primary sources and secondary sources of law were used in the research which include various laws governing the Nigerian police force and other articles in academic journals which considered the Nigerian police force and its activities. The paper concludes that despite the efforts of the government to checkmate the activities of the police, it is noted with great concern that police brutality is still the order of the day in the country; some are reported while so many are not reported. The paper noted that fundamental rights of Nigerians are violated on a daily basis because of the activities of the Nigerian police which calls for great concern among the citizens. It was recommended that for Nigeria to be safe for its citizens, the establishment law of the police must be strictly enforced, and the erring police officers be sanctioned in accordance with the law.
Keywords: fundamental human rights, police brutality, Nigeria constitution, administration of justice, right to life, police officers.
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