Feb 19 β€’ 09:27 UTC πŸ‡³πŸ‡¬ Nigeria Punch

Ogun AG slams misuse of police power in civil cases

The Ogun State Attorney-General has condemned the misuse of police authority to resolve civil disputes, emphasizing that such actions violate constitutional rights.

The Ogun State Ministry of Justice has expressed serious concern regarding the growing trend of using the criminal justice system to address disputes that should be settled in civil courts. Attorney-General Oluwasina Ogungbade highlighted that issues related to contracts, tenancy disagreements, and domestic relationships are increasingly being reported to the police, which undermines the purpose of the criminal justice system. He emphasized that the criminal system is meant for investigating and prosecuting actual crimes, not for resolving private disputes.

In a statement released from Abeokuta, Ogungbade denounced this misuse of power as unlawful, pointing out that it conflicts with fundamental rights guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitution, including personal liberty, human dignity, and the right to a fair hearing. This situation is alarming because it not only jeopardizes individuals' rights but also places a huge burden on the police force, diverting resources away from genuine law enforcement.

Ogungbade's appeal raises an important discussion about the misuse of law enforcement in Nigeria, where citizens are often caught in the quagmire of legal and civil issues being handled through the criminal system. The Attorney-General’s statement serves as a significant reminder of the need for proper legal channels and a call for citizens to be aware of their rights against unlawful enforcement actions in disputes that do not involve criminal activity.

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