Extrajudicial Killings by Security Agencies in Nigeria: An Infringement of the Fundamental Rights of Citizens

Abstract

The state of Nigeria vis-à-vis extra-judicial killings is the basis of this paper. The recent evolution of Fulani herdsmen kidnapping citizens for ransom that has led to the loss of lives of so many citizens no doubts needs the apt attention of our government to profound lasting solution to the menace of this daredevils. Democracy is one of the core values and principle of the United Nations. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms and the principle of holding periodic and genuine elections by universal suffrage are essential elements of democracy. Thus, the above having been said, if democratic rule must meet up with western standards, the current problem facing Nigeria especially the incessant killings of citizens, which is a gross violation of human rights, must be solved. This paper emphasis is on extra-judicial killings carried out by men of the Nigeria police force, men of the armed forces of Nigeria, Fulani herdsmen and armed bandits across the country. The paper posits that extra-judicial killings is a breach of the right to life as entrenched in Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended. The paper strongly recommends that the police should be sensitized on the need to use rubber bullets in dispersing rioters instead of live ammunitions. The men of the Nigeria police force should also aim at the leg of an alleged criminal instead of the head. This paper also recommends that the judiciary be independent, members of the media should be allowed to do their work without any form of intimidation and human rights education should be promoted at all level and not restricted to be studied by Law students alone. Keywords: Extra-judicial killings, fanaticism, human rights, democracy, suffrage DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/131-03 Publication date: April 30 th 2023