Human rights violations

This research examines the duties and powers of the Nigerian Police in relation to criminal investigations, including arrest, interrogation, detention, stop and search, and prosecution. While the Nigerian Constitution and the Police Act grant the police wide-ranging powers necessary for maintaining law and order, these powers are frequently abused, leading to violations of fundamental human rights. The study explores key concepts such as unlawful arrest, extortion, and torture, and critically evaluates the legal framework governing police powers in Nigeria. By employing a mixed methodology doctrinal analysis of statutes and case law, alongside limited fieldwork through interviews and questionnaires the research highlights systemic weaknesses in accountability mechanisms, the absence of technological safeguards such as body-worn cameras, and the persistence of impunity within the force. It further identifies comparative best practices from other jurisdictions and recommends reforms, including stricter judicial oversight, independent complaints mechanisms, and mandatory adoption of body cameras. The study concludes that while the police remain indispensable to criminal justice administration, effective checks and balances are necessary to ensure that their powers are exercised within the ambit of the rule of law