The House of Representatives is considering a constitutional amendment aimed at banning the public parade of suspects by the police and other law enforcement agencies, a move long demanded by human rights advocates.

The proposal, which comes from the House Committee on Constitution Review led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, is expected to be debated when the National Assembly resumes from its recess. At the heart of the amendment is Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the dignity of the human person.

Currently, the constitution protects individuals from torture, slavery, and inhuman or degrading treatment. The proposed amendment seeks to explicitly classify the public display of arrested individuals as a violation of this right.

Under the new provision, any practice where suspects are paraded, photographed, or made to reenact alleged crimes before trial would be considered degrading treatment.

For decades, suspects in Nigeria have often been displayed publicly, labeled as criminals before investigations or court rulings are concluded.

Critics argue that this practice violates the presumption of innocence and exposes individuals to public humiliation, stigma, and psychological trauma. Courts have previously ruled against such actions, but the practice has continued.

Pro-democracy advocate Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, founder of Women Arise, praised the House for taking steps to align Nigeria’s laws with international human rights standards.

She emphasized that global treaties, including the Geneva Conventions and the Convention Against Torture, prohibit cruel and degrading treatment, and that the amendment would bring Nigeria in line with these standards.

“The prohibition of torture and inhuman treatment is fundamental to protecting human dignity. Amending the constitution to outlaw public parades of suspects is a welcome move that strengthens our commitment to human rights,” she said.