NDLEA says officers’ identity cards serve as search warrants -By Festus Ogun

This is unconstitutional and a contravention of Section 37 of the Constitution which guarantees right to privacy of homes. It is equally a contravention of Section 43 of the Constitution. No such barbaric law will stand the test of constitutional validity.

Even where there is a law made under S. 45 of the Constitution, it must be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society. A law made, for whatever reason, where a private home of citizens can be invaded arbitrarily cannot meet the constitutional test of “reasonably justifiable…”

In fact, NDLEA midnight invasion of citizens residences is a contravention of Section 2(2)(b)(x) of the Anti-Torture Act, 2017 which provides that denial of sleep or rest is a form of torture.

Therefore, arbitrarily denying citizens night rest by breaking into her apartment is a gross violation of human rights to freedom from degrading torture and inhuman treatment guaranteed under Section 34 of the Constitution.

While I support NDLEA’s fight against drug abuse, their raids must be within the confines of our law. The agency must desist from hiding under the pretext of effecting arrest to encroach on human rights and cross the rubicon of decency.

Festus Ogun Esq