Holding Power Accountable from the Root: AWJAI’s Monitoring Visit to Nyanya Police Station

As part of ongoing efforts to promote accountability and protect human rights within Nigeria’s criminal justice system, AWJAI in collaboration with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) and Citizens Gavel on 22nd July 2025 conducted a monitoring visit to the Nyanya Police Station. The visit was led by His Worship Haruna A. Haruna of the Karu Magistrate Court.

During the visit, six detainees were found in custody. Alarmingly, three of them had been held beyond the 48-hour period prescribed by law without being charged to court. In response, His Worship directed that if the complainants failed to appear at the station, the detainees should be charged to court without further delay.

Bail was granted to two individuals: one involved in a fatal motorcycle accident and the other arrested for menacing. Both were asked to provide sureties to perfect their bail conditions.

A physical inspection of the station revealed that the cells were in poor condition, raising concerns about the dignity and welfare of detainees. Investigating Police Officers (IPOs) for each detainee were present and provided updates on the progress of their respective cases.

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Commending the officers for their dedication, the Magistrate reminded them of the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of individuals in their custody.

This visit is more than a routine inspection. It is a powerful reminder that oversight is essential to justice.

At AWJAI, we believe justice starts from the ground up right inside the police station. If power must be held accountable, then we must keep showing up.