Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has reiterated the legal rights of Nigerians upon arrest, stressing that access to legal representation is a fundamental entitlement that must not be denied by law enforcement agencies.
Falana made this assertion during an interview on Sahara TV, where he addressed concerns about the treatment of suspects in detention and the need for citizens to be aware of their constitutional protections. The senior advocate noted that many Nigerians are unaware of their right to request legal counsel immediately after being taken into custody.
Speaking during the interview, he stated, “If you are arrested and taken to a detention center in Nigeria, you are entitled to ask for a lawyer, if you have no lawyer of your own, if you have a lawyer of your own, you will ask them to bring your lawyer to the station.” He emphasized that this right is guaranteed under Nigerian law and is essential to ensuring fair treatment during investigations.
Falana explained that the presence of a lawyer can help prevent abuses, including coercion, intimidation, or unlawful detention by security operatives. He added that suspects should not be compelled to make statements or sign documents without proper legal guidance……See More
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