AN APPRAISAL OF THE LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS ON RIGHTS OF A DETAINEE AND THE DUTIES OF THE POLICE UNDER THE POLICE ACT 2020

Abstract

This article appraised the legal and institutional frameworks on rights of a detainee and the duties of the police under the Police Act 2020 (PA). The protection and promotion of human rights is at the very core of policing in any country hence, the position is the same in Nigeria. The maintenance of peace and order which are generally seen as the core functions of the police in Nigeria as provided under the provision of section 4 of the PA and the enforcement of laws are first and primarily about the protection of the rights of citizens, and therefore the role of police personnel in respecting and protecting the rights of every individual is fundamental. It is established in this article that protection and promotion of human rights is at the very core of policing. The enforcement of laws and maintenance of peace and order in the society are about protecting the rights of citizens, and therefore the role of police personnel in protecting and respecting the rights of every individual is fundamental. Detainees are entitled to the enjoyment of these rights and the police are to promote and protect these rights more so as the present PA 2020 supports this position under the provision of section 5.