Fundamental Rights

Plain language — our explanation

No one may be intentionally deprived of life, save in execution of the sentence of a court for a criminal offence of which they have been found guilty, and in the narrow circumstances the section itself sets out.

Plain language — our explanation

Prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, slavery and servitude, and forced or compulsory labour. This is the right most often engaged by how a person is treated in custody.

Plain language — our explanation

Sets out when a person may lawfully be deprived of liberty, requires that an arrested person be informed in writing of the reason within the period stated, and requires that they be brought before a court within the periods the section prescribes.

Plain language — our explanation

Guarantees a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a court or tribunal that is independent and impartial, with the presumption of innocence and the protections that attach to a criminal charge — being informed of the charge, having time to prepare a defence, and having a legal practitioner of your own choice.

Plain language — our explanation

Protects the privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic communications. It is the constitutional footing beneath Nigeria's data protection regime.

Plain language — our explanation

Includes the freedom to change religion or belief, and to manifest and propagate it in worship, teaching, practice and observance, alone or with others.

Plain language — our explanation

Freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference, and to own or operate a medium for disseminating information, subject to the conditions the section states.

Plain language — our explanation

The freedom to assemble peacefully and to associate with others, including to form or belong to a trade union or a political party.

Plain language — our explanation

Freedom to move throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part of it, and freedom from being expelled from Nigeria or refused entry to it, with the qualifications the section states.

Plain language — our explanation

Protects a citizen from being subjected to disabilities or restrictions, or given privileges, by reason only of community, ethnic group, place of origin, sex, religion or political opinion.

Plain language — our explanation

Every citizen has the right to acquire and own immovable property anywhere in Nigeria — a right that operates alongside, and is shaped by, the Land Use Act.

Plain language — our explanation

Movable property and interests in immovable property may not be compulsorily taken except in the manner, and for the purposes, prescribed by a law that requires prompt payment of compensation and gives access to a court.

Plain language — our explanation

Permits laws that are reasonably justifiable in a democratic society in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health, or to protect the rights of others — and addresses derogation during a period of emergency. Most real arguments about rights are fought here rather than over the right itself.

Plain language — our explanation

A person who alleges that a Chapter IV right has been, is being, or is likely to be contravened may apply to the High Court of the state where it occurred. This is the door to the fundamental rights enforcement procedure.