Accountability in Action: Monitoring Visit at Wuse Police Station

Police monitoring visits in Nigeria play an important role in strengthening accountability, protecting detainees’ rights and ensuring compliance with the law.  As part of this ongoing commitment, AWJAI in collaboration with ACJMC and Citizens’ Gavel, conducted a monitoring visit at Wuse police station to ensure compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015. The visit was led by Senior Magistrate Theresa Otu.

During the visit, the team interviewed eleven detainees: ten males and one female.  The Magistrate issued directives for each detainee to be released on bail or charged to court according to the law. Two detainees who had been held beyond the legally permitted time. The Magistrate instructed that they must not be held beyond that day. Officers were told to take immediate steps to comply.

The visit also marked the first engagement with the newly posted Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Nimyel Ponfa. He pledged to ensure that the station follows legal standards and to work closely with ACJMC and its partners to uphold accountability.

This monitoring visit at Wuse police station highlights AWJAI’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights. Regular oversight ensures that police stations comply with the ACJA, especially regarding the lawful detention of suspects.