What to do when stopped by a police

PLEASE DO NOT BE AFRAID TO EXERCISE THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS

‘You have the right to remain silent’. If you wish to exercise that right, shout it so loud. Most Nigerians do not even know the meaning as simple as it sounds.

*As a lady, you have the right to tell the policeman that you want to be searched by a lady police and in case there is no lady police, the policeman can only search your car and bag. Same goes to the male.



*You have a right not to be arrested instead of your brother or father or any member of your family. For example, if your wife or son commit a crime and could not be found, the police have no right to arrest you. You can only follow them for questioning to aid their investigations.


*When at the police station, you must not immediately put a statement down. You can kindly demand for the presence of your lawyer before doing that. Avoid any tension


*Regardless of your immigration or citizenship status, you have constitutional rights, but your rights are limited as an unlawful immigrant.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

*Make sure you stay calm and be polite.


*Never interfere or obstruct the Nigerian police.


*Do not lie or give false documents.


*Do prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested.


*Please be sure to remember the details of the encounter.


*Do file a written complaint

IF YOU FEEL YOUR RIGHTS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED

*PLEASE AND PLEASE, police misconduct cannot be challenged on the street.


*Don’t physically resist officers or threaten to file a complaint.


*Make sure you put down everything you remember, including officers’ badge and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details.


*Get contact information for witnesses.


*If you are injured, take photographs of your injuries after first aid.


*File a written complaint and if you don’t know how to go about this, please ask a lawyer for necessary guidance