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If Police Call you a Suspect, Read this before you Panic

Being called a suspect does not mean you are guilty. It does not cancel your rights.It does not place you at the mercy of the police.The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) still protects you fully.

Here are your rights clearly explained, in simple language:

🥢 Right to Personal Liberty — Section 35(1)
You cannot be arrested or detained arbitrarily.
There must be a lawful reason recognised by law.
Police cannot just “hold you because they are investigating”.

🥢 Right to Be Informed of the Reason for Your Arrest — Section 35(3)
Police must tell you clearly and promptly why you are arrested or detained.
“No explanation” is unconstitutional.

🥢 Right to Remain Silent — Section 35(2)
You are entitled to remain silent and not answer questions until you have spoken to a lawyer.
Silence is not guilt. It is a constitutional right.

🥢 Right to Legal Representation — Section 35(2)
You have the right to consult a lawyer of your choice. Police cannot deny you access to your lawyer or threaten you for insisting on one.

🥢 Right Against Torture, Beating, or Inhuman Treatment — Section 34(1)
Police have no right to beat, torture, threaten, or humiliate you. Confessions obtained by force are illegal.

🥢 Right to Be Brought to Court Within 24 or 48 Hours — Section 35(4) & (5)
This is very important. If there is a court of competent jurisdiction within 40km, you must be taken to court within 24 hours. If there is no such court within 40km, you must be taken to court within 48 hours or as soon as reasonably possible or obtain a remand order from the court. Police cannot detain you endlessly “pending investigation”.

🥢 Right to Bail (in Most Cases) — Section 35(4)
If the offence is bailable, you are entitled to bail
pending arraignment. Police bail is free.

🥢 Right to Fair Hearing — Section 36(1)
You are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Police are not judges. Their opinion does not determine guilt.

🥢 Right Not to Be Forced to Confess — Section 36(11)
You cannot be compelled to confess to an offence.
Any confession must be voluntary, otherwise it can be rejected by the court.

🥢 Right to Challenge Unlawful Detention — Section 35(6)
If you are unlawfully arrested or detained, you have the right to seek compensation and apology
from the appropriate authority. Yes compensation.

Being called a suspect is not the end of your rights.
The Constitution is stronger than fear. What the law gives you, no officer can take away.

Know your rights.
Use them calmly.
Respect the law but don’t surrender your protections.

Reset your soul. Refuel your dreams. Sunday’s got your back.

Happy last Sunday guys