The Federal Government has ordered an end to the public parading of criminal suspects by law enforcement agencies.
The directive was issued by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), instructing the Nigeria Police Force to discontinue the controversial practice.
Public parades involve showcasing individuals accused of crimes before their trial, a routine previously carried out by security agencies.
Senior police officers in both the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos State confirmed receiving official instructions to enforce the directive.
A top police official told Punch, “The AGF gave the order earlier this month, and we have been duly notified.
“Some compliance is already evident.” Another senior officer in Abuja also confirmed, “Yes, we have been instructed to stop parading suspects.”
When approached for comments, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that an official statement would be issued at the appropriate time.
“The police will respond formally in due course. A statement will be released soon,” he said.
The decision has been widely welcomed by human rights advocates. Legal expert Femi Falana (SAN) commended the move, emphasizing that suspect parades violate fundamental rights.
“Publicly displaying suspects is illegal as it contradicts the presumption of innocence enshrined in Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 7 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” Falana stated.
He further criticized the selective enforcement of the practice, arguing that while petty crime suspects are routinely paraded, individuals involved in large-scale corruption scandals are often spared.
“There are no fewer than five court rulings—including judgments from the ECOWAS Court and Federal High Courts—declaring suspect parades unlawful,” he added.
Similarly, senior lawyer Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) condemned the practice, highlighting its damaging consequences for individuals who may later be found innocent.
“The reputational damage caused by these parades is permanent. Even when suspects are acquitted, the stigma remains,” he explained.
Ozekhome urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure strict nationwide adherence to the directive.
“The police should focus on gathering strong evidence and prosecuting cases in court rather than conducting media trials,” he added.
