The Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd), has strongly criticized the practice of arresting individuals in place of the actual suspects by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force. Argungu made this statement during a training session on international human rights-based policing and effective oversight of personnel of the Police Service Commission.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
According to the statement, the PSC Chairman emphasized that every suspect must be treated humanely, respecting their right to dignity and not subjecting them to any form of torture, cruelty, inhuman, or degrading treatment. He further noted that a suspect should not be arrested merely for a civil wrong or breach of contract and must be brought before the court as prescribed by law or otherwise released conditionally or unconditionally.
Argungu also stressed that it is prohibited to arrest a person in place of a suspect and that the law forbids the unnecessary restraint or handcuffing of an arrested person, except in cases where there is a reasonable apprehension of violence, an attempt to escape, or if the restraint is deemed necessary for the safety of the suspect or defendant, or by order of the court.
The PSC boss acknowledged that while police officers worldwide have broad powers to carry out their functions and duties, the constitution and other procedural laws place limits on how far the police can go in enforcing the law. He stated that one of the primary purposes of these laws is to protect citizens from abuses by the government, including police misconduct.
The training session aimed to educate and sensitize police personnel on the importance of upholding human rights and following proper procedures while carrying out their duties, to ensure a more just and accountable law enforcement system in Nigeria.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
