The Nigerian Police is currently ranked as the
worst in the world and has a chequered record of
human rights abuses and extra judicial killings. It
is common for the police to arrest a member of
the public for probable or non-probable cause,
reasonable or non-reasonable suspicion, with or
without investigation. However, as a citizen, it is
your responsibility to know your rights and guard
them jealously against any infringements.

The following is a guide on how to manage
physical engagement with the police and other
law enforcement agents.

If Accosted by a Security Agent –

* Do not attempt to run as that may raise
suspicion against you.
Identify yourself.
* Ask to know the reason for the arrest or
detention.

*If you are not arrested at the scene of crime,
ask to be shown the arrest warrant signed by
magistrate or a senior police officer. Any arrest without a duly indorsed warrant is
illegal.
* Do not engage the security agent in a heated
argument.
* Understand you have the right to remain silent
and to ask to see a lawyer.
* Try and memorize the officer's name, badge
number & the patrol vehicle number. If they are in mufti, ask the arresting persons to identify themselves.
* If you are assaulted and wounded by the
security agent, take photographs of the
wounds and request a first aid.
* Try and identify witnesses at the scene of
or crime
* Reach out to family, friends and your lawyer
at the place of detention.
* Anything you tell the police or security agent
can be used against you and could land you in
prison.
* Remain silent and do not volunteer any
information, ask to make or sign a statement
in the presence of your lawyer.
* Understand that you are presumed innocent
of crime until the contrary is proven at the
court of law.
* If the police or security agent want to conduct
a search at your home/office, ask to see the
search warrant signed by a magistrate or a
senior police officer. Any search conducted
without a warrant is illegal. Involve A Lawyer
* You should only make or sign a statement in
the presence of your lawyer.
* Your lawyer may covertly record your interview session with the police to obtain any firsthand evidence of professional malpractice
against the police officer.

Where the offence alleged is not a capital
offence (i.e. not punishable with life
imprisonment or death), and you have already
been detained for more than 48 hours, your
lawyer should ask for your unconditional
release or demand that you be granted bail.
Where the police or security agency refuses to
grant bail, but rather elect to charged you to
court, your lawyer can enter appearance in
court and make a written or oral application
for you to be granted bail.

Where the police or security agency refuses to
grant bail, refuses to charge you to court and
sustains your detention in their custody
indefinitely, your lawyer should immediately
commence an action for the enforcement of
your Fundamental (Human) Rights in court
and seek order for your immediate

from detention and restraining order from
further arrest; and pray the court for
compensatory monetary damages for the
assault, battery, unlawful detention, human
rights abuse meted against you by the
security agency; and also ask for apology.
The content of this article is intended to provide a
general guide to the subject matter. Specialist
advice should be sought about your specific
circumstances.

This is a very good thread.

The only thing with Nigeria is that most of them fear too much.

Baba 70 has said it all in his evergreen song.

Stand for your right, and the police will step aside for you.

lawlessness and abuse of power are now norms in the police force. people are arrested, detained and even killed without anybody giving a f*ck. nigerian police are demonic, evil and deadly

This is obtainable in sane limes but unfortunately we live in a lawless country

Lol.
Nonsense.
Get huge funds. And police is your friend.
The law, is not for the poor man.
You think lawyer is cheap.
Ask police any question and you will see stars, and am not talking about movies.

Good write up
But the thieves in uniforms
Might look for a way to just extort you, then kill you, and say you're are an armed robber.
N be careful, every policeman is a criminal

sars no dey carry name badge. Argument with sars will earn you hot slap.
We're seriously bleeped in this country.

Who doesn't know these things rarely work in Nigeria especially for the poor and the weak.
The best way to avoid Nigeria police is to dress nice, avoid odd places,clubs, brothels, etc.
don't keep dreads and tattoos.

If u re confronted, try as possible to be civil, matured and intelligent. Argue with ur head and don't fight with them.
Make sure u don't have weeds, arms, tramadol, foreign gee pictures,formats or tools.
Believe me u won't have any problem with the police.