Justice Under Watch: AWJAI’s Monitoring Visit to Utako Police Station
On August 28, 2025, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), in partnership with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), conducted a routine monitoring visit to the Utako Police Station as part of our ongoing efforts to promote transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system.
The visit was led by His Worship, Magistrate Musa Jobbo, who personally interviewed 11 detainees to assess their conditions and ensure that their constitutional rights were being upheld. Following the review, five detainees were granted bail, while two others were directed to be charged in court immediately. The remaining four detainees continued to be held pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
During the visit, the monitoring team observed that the detention cells were in good condition and had access to running water. There were no minors in custody, and police officers on duty were found to be discharging their responsibilities diligently and in accordance with the law.
This monitoring exercise reinforces our collective commitment to ensuring a speedy, fair, and humane justice process for all, in line with the principles of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
At AWJAI, we remain committed to upholding justice, protecting human rights, and promoting accountability throughout Nigeria’s justice system. 
AWJAI in Action: Upholding Justice and Dignity in Bwari and Ushafa Police Stations
How do we ensure that justice goes beyond the courtroom and reaches those behind bars?
That guiding question inspired the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), in collaboration with Citizens Gavel and the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), during a recent police monitoring visit to Bwari and Ushafa Police Stations on 1st September 2025.
The visit, led by Her Worship, Magistrate Chiemena Okoronkwo, provided a first-hand look into detention practices and conditions at both stations. The goal was to ensure compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and to safeguard the dignity and rights of detainees in custody.
At Bwari Police Station, the monitoring team found 13 detainees in custody. It was observed that some had been held beyond the legally permissible period, prompting the Magistrate to order that all such detainees be charged in court immediately. This reinforced a fundamental principle: no one should be held unlawfully without trial.
At Ushafa Police Station, three detainees were found in custody. Encouragingly, all were being detained within the lawful timeframe prescribed by law.
Beyond simply counting detainees, the visit underscored the importance of independent oversight of police stations. It helps to prevent unlawful detention, promotes accountability, and serves as a powerful reminder to law enforcement officers about their obligations under the law.
At AWJAI, we remain committed to ensuring that detention conditions are humane, that no detainee is held beyond the constitutionally guaranteed period, and that justice remains accessible to all, including those behind bars.
Apo Police Station: AWJAI Turns Unlawful Detention into Freedom
On September 16, 2025, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI) conducted an oversight visit to the Apo Police Station, alongside His Worship, Magistrate Abdulmajid Oniyangi. During the visit, the team met 22 detainees, each one a story, each one a reminder of why constant monitoring and advocacy remain essential for justice in Nigeria.
Behind those cell doors, we found instances where ordinary misunderstandings had escalated into unlawful detentions.
One such case involved two men who got into a fight. Amid the chaos, a bystander’s property was accidentally damaged. What could have been resolved through simple mediation was instead treated as a criminal offence, leading to one man’s detention. After hearing the facts, the Magistrate ordered his immediate release, and AWJAI stepped in to mediate between both parties, ensuring a peaceful resolution before the day ended.
Another troubling case involved seven young construction workers. When one of their colleagues allegedly stole iron rods and fled, the police arrested the remaining six, demanding that they disclose the thief’s whereabouts. They knew nothing about the theft, yet they were held in custody for a crime they did not commit. Upon review, the Magistrate discharged all six workers on the spot, and the AWJAI team worked to facilitate their prompt release. They walked out free, grateful, relieved, and ready to return to their lives.
These encounters underscore why AWJAI continues to show up where justice is often forgotten. Far too many individuals remain behind bars because civil disputes are wrongly criminalized, or minor infractions are met with excessive punishment.
At AWJAI, we believe that freedom is a right, not a privilege, and that justice must reach every person, in and out of the courtroom. We’ll keep showing up for fairness, for dignity, and for every voice silenced behind cells.
Dawaki Police Station: AWJAI’s Ongoing Commitment to Detainee Rights
On September 18, 2025, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), in collaboration with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), and Citizens Gavel, conducted a police monitoring visit to Dawaki Police Station.
The exercise, led by His Worship, Magistrate Muhammed Tahir, aimed to assess detention practices, ensure compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, and safeguard the rights and dignity of detainees.
During the visit, the monitoring team found twelve detainees in custody, eight in the cell and four behind the counter. The Magistrate granted bail to four detainees on the spot, while ordering that the remaining detainees be immediately charged to court. Furthermore, the cells were generally clean and well maintained, reflecting improved detention conditions. He also commended the officers for maintaining order and cleanliness but emphasized the need to adhere strictly to the law by ensuring that no detainee is held beyond the legally permissible period.
As part of the monitoring delegation, AWJAI documented instances of unlawful detention, followed up on detainees granted bail, and reinforced the principles of accountability, transparency, and fairness in the handling of suspects.
This visit underscored that police monitoring is more than oversight, it is a vital mechanism for protecting human dignity, preventing abuse, and ensuring that justice extends to those behind bars.
At AWJAI, we remain steadfast in our mission to promote a justice system grounded in fairness, compassion, and respect for human rights. We believe that no one should lose their dignity while in custody, and that true justice is only achieved when the law protects everyone equally.
Two Stops, One Mission: AWJAI visits Kuje and Riverpark Police Stations
In a continued effort to strengthen police accountability and promote respect for human dignity, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), in partnership with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) and Citizens Gavel, conducted oversight visits to Kuje Police Station and Riverpark Police Station.
The monitoring exercise, led by His Worship, Magistrate Muhammed Munir Sani, focused on ensuring that law enforcement practices align with the principles of fairness, legality, and respect for human rights as provided under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
At Kuje Police Station, bail was granted to one detainee, while three others facing more serious charges were directed to be taken to court without further delay. The station demonstrated commendable compliance with lawful detention practices. However, the monitoring team observed challenges such as inconsistent water supply and poor toilet conditions. Officers disclosed that they often purchase water for detainees out of pocket and that plans are underway to renovate the facilities.
At Riverpark Police Station, there were no detainees in custody at the time of the visit. The environment was clean, the cells were well maintained, and officers were found to be in full compliance with established procedures.
These visits highlight AWJAI’s unwavering commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system. Beyond oversight, they represent a shared mission, to safeguard human dignity, uphold detainees’ rights, and support reforms that promote justice and fairness for all.
At AWJAI, we believe that justice is not confined to courtrooms; it lives in every police cell, every action taken, and every life protected by the rule of law.
AWJAI Visits Nyanya and Karu Police Station: Strengthening Accountability, One Visit at a Time
As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting a transparent and rights-based policing system, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), in collaboration with key justice partners, the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Citizens Gavel, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), conducted oversight visits to Nyanya and Karu Police Stations on 29th September 2025. The monitoring exercise was led by His Worship, Magistrate Haruna A. Haruna.
The visits were aimed at assessing compliance with due process and ensuring that the human rights of detainees are respected in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
At Nyanya Police Station, there were no detainees in custody at the time of inspection. Officers demonstrated commendable cooperation and compliance with legal standards. However, the team noted poor environmental conditions, including unpleasant odors coming from the cells, and recommended that immediate sanitation measures be taken.
At Karu Police Station, a total of thirteen detainees were found in custody. Of these, five were on court-ordered remand, six had been arraigned, and two were granted bail by the magistrate on the spot. While the officers were cooperative and compliant with due process, the team observed poor ventilation and unpleasant odors in the cells. The officers assured that renovation efforts are ongoing to improve these conditions.
These visits highlight AWJAI’s unwavering commitment to ensuring accountability, humane treatment, and adherence to the rule of law within Nigeria’s policing framework. By working closely with justice stakeholders, AWJAI continues to advocate for a criminal justice system that protects rights, promotes transparency, and ensures that dignity is preserved, even behind bars.
At AWJAI, we believe justice is not complete until it reaches every corner of the system, from the courtroom to the cellblock.
Justice at the Frontline: Utako Police Station
On 30th September 2025, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), in collaboration with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), and Citizens Gavel, carried out a compliance monitoring visit to the Utako Police Station. The visit was led by His Worship, Magistrate Musa Jobbo, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure adherence to due process and the humane treatment of detainees in police custody.
During the visit, nine detainees were found in custody, some had already been charged to court, others had been granted bail, while one remained under investigation. The monitoring team observed that the cells were clean, orderly, and well maintained, and the officers were commended for upholding a decent environment. However, the Magistrate also reminded the officers of the importance of ensuring that no suspect is detained beyond the period permitted by law, reinforcing the need for continuous vigilance and compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.
As part of the monitoring team, AWJAI documented key observations, followed up on detainees granted bail, and emphasized the importance of rights-based detention practices. This visit reflects a shared commitment to justice, accountability, and respect for human dignity within Nigeria’s policing system.
At AWJAI, we remain steadfast in our mission to promote a justice system where detention upholds human dignity, due process is respected, and accountability is embedded at every level of law enforcement.
