ABSTRACT
This research delves into the intricate web of the right of an accused person within the Nigerian legal framework, focusing on the broader concepts of human rights, the specific rights afforded to accused individuals, and the safeguards in place to ensure their protection. The study underscores the pivotal role of fair hearing as a cornerstone upon which other rights of the accused rest, as enshrined in Sections 35 and 36 of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999.
The analysis reveals that the judicial approach towards the right of an accused person to fair hearing is deeply rooted in constitutional provisions. The study emphasizes that the law aspires to attain the highest ideals of justice and fairness, and the courts are duty-bound to uphold, enforce, and ensure the observance of this fundamental right in criminal cases. Additionally, it emphasizes the collaborative responsibility of the Legal Aid Council and the Nigerian Bar Association in passionately safeguarding these rights and ensuring a vibrant and effective criminal justice system.
The research concludes with robust recommendations aimed at fortifying the protection of accused individuals against the abuse of rights. It calls for a presumption of innocence until proven guilty, urging the courts to not only ensure justice but also to be perceived as having done justice. The collaborative efforts of the Legal Aid Council and the Nigerian Bar Association are emphasized, with a focus on executing their duties with extraordinary passion to guarantee fair hearing and trial for the accused.
Acknowledging the practical challenges in implementing these rights, the study proposes a collective effort involving the Federal Government, the Judiciary, Law Enforcement Agents, and citizens of Nigeria. It advocates for material conditions that uphold fundamental liberties and encourages citizens to have a profound understanding of their rights, enabling them to seek redress when infringed.
Furthermore, the research proposes specific actions for the Federal Government, including the ratification of international conventions against torture and inhuman treatment, promoting awareness of citizens' rights, and ensuring the rule of law. The judiciary is urged to maintain its independence through direct access to funds, liberal and effective enforcement of Fundamental Human Rights, and referral of citizens without legal representation to relevant organizations.
To enhance access to justice, the study recommends a substantial increase in the number of courts, modernization of court systems, and the simplification of legal proceedings. Human rights activists are encouraged to engage in mass education, awareness campaigns, and sensitization initiatives to empower citizens, particularly suspects, with knowledge of their rights under the law.
In conclusion, the research envisions a Nigeria that aligns with international standards in the practical implementation of the rights of an accused person. It emphasizes the need for collective efforts to achieve a justice system that is not only legally sound but also perceived as just by all stakeholders in the pursuit of a fair and humane society.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CASES
TABLE OF STATUTES
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INTRODUCTION:
1.0.0: INTRODUCTION
1.1.0: BACK GROUND TO THE STUDY
1.2.0: STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
1.3.0: OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
1.4.0: PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
1.5.0: METHODOLOGY
1.6.0: DEFINITION OF TERMS
1.7.0: LITERATURE REVIEW
1.8.0: CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
CHAPTER 2
THE CONCEPT OF HUMAN RIGHTS
2.0.0: INTRODUCTION
2.1.0: HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN RIGHT IN NIGERIA
2.2.0: DISTINCTION BETWEEN HUMAN RIGHT AND
FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHT
2.3.0: CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
CHAPTER 3
THE CONCEPT OF RIGHTS OF AN ACCUSED PERSON
3.0.0: INTRODUCTION
3.1.0: THE RIGHT OF AN ACCUSED UNDER
3.2.0: THE CONSTITUTION
3.3.0: THE RIGHT OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CODE
3.4.0: THE RIGHT OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT
3.5.0: THE JUVENILE CRIME AND THE CHILD RIGHT ACT
3.6.0: CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
CHAPTER 4
SAFEGUARD FOR THE RIGHT OF AN ACCUSED PERSON
4.0.0: INTRODUCTION
4.1.0: THE AWAITING TRIAL OF AN IN-MATE AS AN ACCUSED
PERSON
4.2.0: THE ROLE OF LEGAL AID COUNSEL, BAR ASSOCIAGTION
4.3.0: CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
CHAPTER 5
GENERAL CONCLUSION
5.0.0: CONCLUSION
5.1.0: RECOMMENDATIONS
BIBLOGRAPHY
TABLE OF STATUTES
Child Right Act cap 50 LFN 2004
Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, Cap 24, LFN 2004
Criminal Procedure Act, Laws of Southern Nigeria
Criminal Procedure Code, Laws of Northern Nigeria
Laws of Kwara State of Nigeria Vol.1 Cap 29
Legal Aid Act Cap.L9 Vol.8 LFN 2004
Promulgation of Cap.10 (Ratification and Enforcement ACT) LFN 1990
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ABULSJ: Ahmadu Bello University Law Society Journal
AC: Appeal Cases
CAP: Chapter
FWLR: Federal Weekly Law Report
HRLRA: Human Right Law Reports of Africa
LFN: Law of the Federation of Nigeria
NCC: Nigeria Constitutional Cases
NCLR: Nigerian Constitutional Law Reports
NLR: Nigeria Law Reports
NSCQR: Nigerian Supreme Court Quarterly Report
NWLR: Nigeria Weekly Law Report
P: Page
SC: Supreme Court
UILSSJ University of Ilorin Law Student Society Journal
Vol: Volume
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
1.0.0: INTRODUCTION
When a suspect is described as having right, he is acknowledged to be entitled to something to which he has just claim under the law. By virtue of man’s creation, he has certain rights which are common to those of all other men. Most of the fundamental rights are in a sense natural right vested in every individual and to which he is entitled without any obligation or duty on the part of the government to provide facilities for their enjoyment. Moreover, all fundamental rights are in the final analysis rights, which impose limitations on executive, legislative or judicial powers of the government and are accordingly easily justifiable. Fundamental Human Right entails universal humanity which men enjoys and shares with his fellow men whether he is a suspect or a freeman. This in its totality has informed the writing of this project.
1.1.0: BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
Based on the adoption of universal declaration of Human Rights and the incorporation of fundamental human rights in our constitution, basic fundamental human rights have been created and which should be respected by all men in the Nigeria society. Unfortunately however, many people in our society face untold hardship day in day out because they are denied their basic rights, which normally the Constitution of Nigeria would enforce even though they are suspects but because they are unaware of these rights they rarely or never claim them. However, those who are saddled with these responsibilities fail to do their work properly. In this respect, this project will discuss some of the rights and the major rights of the suspects and how it could be known, respected and enforced properly by those concerned.
1.2.0: STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Even though there is a universal declaration of Fundamental Human Rights and Chapter IV of the Nigerian constitution in Fundamental Human Rights, the practicality has not been perfect because of the prevailing situation of unlawful treatment of suspects in the country.
It is unlawful to treat suspect any how simply because they are being regarded as suspects. This clearly shows that the judiciary is aware of the right of an accused person and that it is sacrosanct and cannot be taken away unlawfully in this country. The violations of these rights have been so rampant in Nigeria.
1.3.0: OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
i. To study the relevance of the rule of law as a vital instrument for the protection and enjoyment of Fundamental Human Right by the people most especially an accused person, who is the main centre of this work.
ii. To know the principle of the rule of law, through which the rights of the accused can be respected and recognized by everyone.
iii. To enable the people know the best way to seek redress in the court of law whenever their rights are being infringed upon.
1.4.0: PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
Ignorance as we all know is a disease, and has been earlier said, Nigerians generally are not well abreast of their legal rights even though it has been boldly written and spelt out in the Constitution of the country. But because every disease has a cure, the cure for the lack of awareness of these rights is the major purpose of this work particularly the right of an accused as stipulated in section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Which are: Right to silence, Right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty, Right to an interpreter, Right to informed properly the nature and detail of the charge among others
1.5.0: METHODOLOGY
The method that will be used to carry out this work is descriptive and not analytical.
Major primary and secondary sources of law would be considered for the proper appraisal of this topic. The primary sources include the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, mainly Chapter IV and Section 35 and 36; the Criminal Procedure Code; the Criminal Procedure Act; and the Child Rights Act. The secondary source includes the International Articles on pro-bono services.
1.6.0: DEFINITION OF TERMS
ACCUSED: One charged with an offence
AUDI ALTERAM PARTEM: The other party must be heard
LEGAL AID: Free or inexpensive legal services provided to those who cannot afford to pay full price. Legal Aid is usually administered locally by a specially established organization.
NEMO DEBET ESSE JUDEX IN PROPRIA CAUSA: No one can be a judge in his own case
PRO BONO: Being or involving uncompensated legal services especially for the public good
PUBLIC DEFENDER: A lawyer or staff of lawyers, usually publicly appointed and paid, whose duty is to represent indigent criminal defendants
SUSPECT: A person believed to have committed a crime or offence. To consider wrong doing without certain truth
UBI JUS IBI REMEDIUM: Where there is a right there is a remedy
1.7.0: LITERATURE REVIEW
Jide Bodede1 opined that the right of fair hearing within a reasonable time is the fundamental right of every accused person guaranteed in the constitution. He emphasizes the importance of the right to fair hearing as entitled to everyone especially an accused person.
Adesiyan G.O2 on the right of an accused person to silence limiting his work to Nigeria says that while the police have a legal right to interrogate a suspect, any use of force made to make him answer a question is illegal and judges rule was introduce as a result of discuss.
Ibrahim Imam3 View on the constitutional safeguard for an accused person rights to fair trial in the Nigerian criminal justice write extensively on the duty of counsel to an accused person in criminal proceeding that he should devote himself completely to his task irrespective of what he may think of the charge.
To Onawola4 explained that where a bail condition is breached, the bail granted will be revoked if the accused is found supported with clear evidence to have interfered with witnesses or otherwise obstruct the cause of justice.
Audi Jummai5 opined that human rights contained in the constitution will be meaningless if we cannot enforce its breaches (Ubi Jus Ibiremeduim).
1.8.0: CONCLUSION
A vibrant and effective criminal justice is an absolute necessity if law and order is to be maintained in any society. Under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the rights of an accused person standing trial for a criminal offence are fully guaranteed. The relevant sections are sections 35 and 36 of the 1999 constitution. For an effective criminal justice to come to stay, the law is to adequately protect the accused person rights so that justice is not only done but seen to be done because the full weights of the laws tend to fall towards the accused.
REFERENCES
1 Criminal Evidence in Nigeria, (Florence and Lambard, Nig. Ltd publisher 2008)p.89
2 An Accused Person’s Rights in Nigeria Criminal Law, (Heinemann Educational Books Nigeria 1996) p.67
3 Constitutional Safeguard of the Accused Person Rights to Fair Trial in the Nigeria Criminal Law, (2008) The Legal Issues, a publication of Legal Aid Club. p. 273
4 Bail and Bail pending – An appraisal (2007) UILSSJ 12 P.5
5 Means of Enforcing Human Rights, Accountability and Democracy in Nigeria (1999) ABULJ, 6 p.150
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