No Law Prohibits The Use Of Handcuffs To Restrain A Suspect, Especially One That Has Shown Tendency Of Violence
The Nigerian police stated in a statement that there is no legal prohibition on using handcuffs to restrain a suspect, particularly one who has displayed violent tendencies.
This was mentioned in a statement issued on May 18 by DCP Simon Lough, Head of Chambers of the Nigerian Police.
On Tuesday, May 16, Lough responded to allegations made by Seun Kuti’s attorney, criticizing the police for choosing to photograph the singer’s photos while he was in handcuffs and post them online.
According to Olumide-Fusika’s testimony, the procedure was unlawful since it broke the legislation governing the administration of criminal justice.
Section 9 of the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, which prohibits any sort of parade of criminal suspects in Nigeria in Lagos State, the lawyer claimed, was broken by snapping Seun’s images and uploading them online.
However, Lough contended that no legislation forbade the police from handcuffing individuals, particularly those who had committed violent acts.
Lough added that Seun Kuti was not paraded, contrary to what his attorneys had falsely claimed, and that section 10(4) of the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law permits the taking of pictures of individuals arrested for identification and record purposes.
Read his statement below;
‘’It has become imperative to correct some misrepresentations being circulated on social media solely to garner sympathy from the public and to divert attention from the fact in issue.
First of all, there is no law that prohibits the use of handcuffs to restrain a suspect especially a suspect that has shown tendency of violence like Seun Kuti that has already shown act of violence by attacking and slapping a police officer in uniform and even threatened his wife in the process.
Secondly, section 10(4) of Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State allows the taking of photographs of suspects arrested for identification and record purpose. Seun Kuti was not paraded as erroneously alleged by his lawyers. It was his photograph, fingerprints, name and address that were taken as provided for in the law. The Nigeria Police hereby assures the public and all law abiding Nigerians that the Force will not engage in media trial of the case but would carryout investigation in line with the law, professionalism and international best practices.
The Nigeria Police equally appeals to the defence team of Seun Kuti to desist from engaging in media trial/defence of their client and allow the judicial process take its full course. The Nigeria Police reiterate its adherence to the rule of law and the protection of rights and liberties of the citizens.
DCP SIMON LOUGH, SAN
Head of Chambers,
Nigeria Police Force”
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