@MBuhari on Sept 16, 2020, signed d new Police Act 2020 into law and this replaced d old Police Act, CAP P.19, LFN, 2004. This law was long over due. I shall share some highlights of d new amendment law every Nigerian should be aware of below: - A Thread -

1. By Section 66(1) of Police Act 2020, ONLY a Police Officer who is a LEGAL PRACTITIONER, can prosecute. No Police Officer who isnt a LEGAL PRACTITIONER can prosecute unlike under d Old Act that gave non-Police lawyers prosecutorial power. You'd have tot this was d norm right?

2. Nigerians can now have private detectives not employed by the government. The Nigeria Police Force is responsible for vetting and approving the registration of Private Detective Schools and Private Investigative Outfits. See Sec. 4(i) of d Act - about time!

3. By the Act, d Police is now mandated to report d findings of its investigation to the Attorney General of the Federation or State as the case may be. Sec. 32(1) Police Act 2020. Police can't just charge you no longer!

4. The 2020 Police Act prohibits the Police from arresting anyone for "allegations" based on a civil wrong or a Breach of contract. See Sec. 32(2) Police Act 2020.

5. The Act now prohibits the arrest of any person in place of a suspect e.g relative, spouse Sec. 36. - D fact that a law had to prohibit this tells you everything about why we require police reform now! #EndSARS #7for7
#5for5

6. D Act mks it mandatory 4 d police officer or any other person authorized 2 effect an arrest to inform d suspect his rights 2:
i. Remain silent or avoid answering any ?s until after consultation wit a legal practitioner or any other person of his own choice. See Sec. 35(2)(a).

ii. Consult a legal practitioner of his own choice before making, endorsing or writing any statement or answering any question put to him after the arrest. Sec. 35(2)(b)
iii. Free legal representation by d Legal Aid Council of Nigeria or other organizations where applicable.

7. The Act also makes it compulsory for the Police to notify the next of kin or relative(s) of the suspect immediately after the arrest of the suspect. Sec. 35(3).

Why does any decent human being need a law to tell them to do this in d 1st place?

8. A suspect shall be accorded humane treatment. And a suspect shall not be subjected to torture, cruelty, inhumane or degrading treatment. Sec. 37.

You'd expect that this should go without saying but alas! Thank God its now Law!

9. The statement, where the suspect wishes to make one, MAY be taken in the presence of a legal practitioner or any other person or organization of his own choice. Sec. 60(2).

10. Where a suspect is arrested and detained for more than 24 hours, if the offence he was arrested for is not a capital offence, his lawyer or relatives can notify any court that has jurisdiction to try the matter about his arrest. Sec. 64(1).

Dey shld just sue!

11. The notification can be made in writing or orally. See sec. 64(3). The court SHALL order the production of the suspect and inquire into the matter. Where it is convinced that the suspect should be released on bail, the court shall admit him to bail.

12. The Police is mandated to take the photographs and fingerprint impressions of all suspects in lawful custody. See sec. 68(1).

If you're arrested and they are not doing this its unlawful arrest! You can and should sue!

13. Where a suspect refuses to allow the Police to take his measurements, photograph and fingerprint impressions, the Police have the right to apply to court to compel the suspect to submit himself. Sec 68(2).

Only a court can compel you to do this if you refuse. Not by slap!

14. ) On d last working day of every month, d officer in charge of a police station (DPO) must report to d nearest magistrates d cases of all arrests made witout warrant in his jurisdiction, weda d suspect av been admitted 2 bail or not. See 69(1).

Lawyers shld enforce this!

Now the reform of the sturcture and training of officers of the @PoliceNG should and ought to reflect d ammendments to the 2020 Police Act for effectiveness.

Know ur rights! Cc; @falzthebahdguy @mrmacaronii @dejiawobiyide @BarFinals @iRuntown @HenshawKate @kikimordi @Sisi_Eko15