BAYELSA BASED LAWYER SAYS LAW BACKS CITIZENS’ RIGHT TO SELF-DEFENSE

Mr. Ebi Robert, a legal practitioner, has stated that the law empowers citizens to defend themselves when they come under attack.

Speaking on Let’s Talk Nigeria, Golden 97.5 FM morning programme, Mr. Robert said while the law backs self-defence, any measure taken must be proportional to the weapon used by the attacker.

The legal practitioner further noted that once an attacker is disarmed, the law does not permit citizens to take the life of his or her attacker. He urged the public to exercise wisdom and restraint in certain situations when their right is infringed.

Addressing the failure of certain government institutions, particularly the police in the defence of human right, Mr. Robert stressed the urgent need for proper reform and sanitisation of the police system.

Commenting on the right of security agencies to search members of the public, he acknowledged that while some actions by security personnel are condemnable, they also have the responsibility to combat crime.

Reported by Bright Okpo.