The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, has issued a stern warning to Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) regarding the detention of suspects beyond 25 hours without bail or court charges.
During an inspection visit to several divisional police offices in Kano Metropolitan, the CP emphasised that holding suspects beyond 24 hours before initiating court proceedings constitutes a violation of their rights, as they are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
CP Gumel reiterated that the bail process is free and urged DPOs to prioritise safeguarding the fundamental human rights of suspects while avoiding actions that could endanger their welfare.
In his interactions with the DPOs, he reiterated that bail should be granted promptly once all conditions are met.
The unscheduled visits to police formations align with the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS) launched in December, emphasising the importance of upholding legal standards and protecting the rights of individuals within the criminal justice system.
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“All sectors of the society would want to see what the police are doing in terms of access to justice.
According to him,” There was a marching order by the IGP to all Commissioners of Police to launch the PDSS to ensure fundamental human rights, access to justice and free legal services.
“We are determined to make the practical aspect of the PDSS. We have moved round a number of police stations within the metropolis and interacted with detainees.
“We went to the Zango Police Division, Fagga Police Division, Sharada Police Division, and the Correctional Centre at Janguza. We toured the facilities there, including the Court inside the Correctional Centre handling special cases.
During the visit,the CP was accompanied by representatives from the Correctional Centre, the National Human Rights Commission, the judiciary, office of the state Attorney General, and the Civil Society Organisation.
TheWitness
