Respect Suspects’ Rights And Dignity; Stop Stripping, Bringing Them Out Half-Naked – Rights Group 

Nigerian human rights advocacy group, known as The Security Situation Room, has called on the nations’ law enforcement agencies to respect the rights and dignity of suspects, stop stripping them half-naked in cells and bringing them out in public in the same debasing manner.

A statement issued by the Convener of the Security Situation Room, Douglas Ogbankwa Esq. on Tuesday January 20, 2026, said the organization had observed with concern, the practice of some Nigerian Security Agencies stripping citizens half naked, when they are detained and when they are brought out from the cell.

This development, he noted is contrary to the express provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ,1999 (As Amended).

He said the Citizenship of Nigeria is not suspended during arrests and a suspect has all the full rights of a citizen, insisting that a suspect has a right to be treated with the dignity of human person. “He or she should be properly clothed and wear his or her shoes or slippers when being brought out of the cell or being arraigned in Court.”

“Investigating Officers and their Team Leaders should be aware of the Anti Torture Act,2020, which makes Investigating Police Officers personally liable of any case of torture,” he warned.

Ogbankwa stated further that the Administration of Criminal Justice Laws and the Federal Act, also gives citizens the right of cause of action to sue investigating officers in their personal capacities if they are seen or found to have faulted in any way.