25 THINGS TO DO WHEN ARRESTED AND ACCUSED OF A CRIME IN A NIGERIAN POLICE STATION

1. Stay calm and composed – Panic can make you say or do the wrong thing.

2. Ask for the reason for your arrest – The police must inform you why you're being arrested.

3. Request to see the arrest warrant if applicable – Especially for non-immediate arrests.

4. Identify the police officers involved – Take note of their names, ranks, and stations.

5. Inform someone you trust immediately – Let a relative, friend, or lawyer know where you are.

6. Insist on your right to remain silent – You are not obligated to answer questions without a lawyer.

7. Request to call your lawyer – You have the right to legal representation.

8. Be polite and respectful to officers – It reduces tension and avoids escalation.

9. Observe everything around you – Take mental note of the station, time, people, and treatment.

10. Demand to be charged or released within 24–48 hours – As per the Nigerian Constitution.

11. Ask for bail if the offence is bailable – Most offences are. Bail is a constitutional right.

12. Keep your personal items safe – Secure your phone, wallet, and other belongings.

13. Insist on a medical check-up if injured or sick – You have the right to medical care.

14. Record or write down your experience if possible – Especially any abuse or illegality.

15. Request a copy of any statement you make – It’s your right. Don't sign what you didn’t say.

16. Complain to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) if maltreated – You can escalate within the station.

17. Contact a human rights or legal aid organization – Especially if your rights are being violated.

18. Be observant about any potential witnesses around – They might be helpful later.

19. Ask for the name and details of your case officer – For follow-up and accountability.

20. Stay truthful and consistent in what you say – Lies can complicate your case.

21. Request to know your offence classification (bailable or non-bailable) – This determines your next step.

22. Stay mentally strong and prayerful – It helps you stay alert and resilient.

23. Report any demand for bribes to higher authorities – You can also report anonymously later.

24. Request proper documentation for your detention or bail – Never leave without it.

25. Remain hopeful and proactive about your defence – Being accused isn’t the end.

25 THINGS NOT TO DO WHEN ARRESTED AND ACCUSED OF A CRIME IN A NIGERIAN POLICE STATION

1. Do not resist arrest violently – This could lead to additional charges or harm.

2. Do not argue aggressively with police officers – It could provoke abuse or further trouble.

3. Do not attempt to bribe a police officer – It’s a criminal offence and can be used against you.

4. Do not speak without thinking – Anything you say can be used against you.

5. Do not admit to a crime you didn’t commit – Even under pressure or threat.

6. Do not sign any statement you didn’t write or understand – Insist your lawyer is present.

7. Do not threaten the police or other detainees – It worsens your case.

8. Do not run or attempt escape – It could get you shot or lead to additional charges.

9. Do not disclose too much personal information – Especially to unknown people in custody.

10. Do not cry or beg excessively – It can make you appear guilty or weak.

11. Do not lie unnecessarily – Contradictions can destroy your defence.

12. Do not provoke others in the cell – Stay out of trouble with fellow detainees.

13. Do not destroy any documents or evidence – It’s a criminal offence.

14. Do not call too many people randomly – Call someone you trust, not everyone in your contact list.

15. Do not accept legal advice from just anyone – Only rely on a qualified lawyer.

16. Do not volunteer to settle “in-house” without legal advice – It could be a trap.

17. Do not post about your arrest on social media immediately – It can affect your case.

18. Do not insult or mock the police station or officers – It’s risky and unnecessary.

19. Do not carry drugs or weapons to the station – Even unintentionally, it’s a serious offence.

20. Do not try to run your mouth to show you “know people” – It can backfire.

21. Do not refuse bail terms without understanding them – Ask your lawyer to review first.

22. Do not let fear control you – Fear leads to poor decisions.

23. Do not allow unknown persons to stand as surety – Always use credible and known people.

24. Do not exaggerate or fabricate stories – Stick to the facts.

25. Do not forget to follow up on your case after release – Unattended cases can turn against you later.