Police Oversight Visit to Ushafa Police Station

In line with our commitment to equitable access to justice in Nigeria, AWJAI conducted a police oversight visit to Ushafa Police Station on July 23, 2025.  This police oversight visit focused on assessing detention conditions and strengthening accountability within the criminal justice system.

AWJAI carried out the visit in collaboration with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC).  Her Worship, Chiemena Nonye Okoronkwo, led the monitoring exercise and guided the review of detention practices.

During the visit, the team found seven detainees in custody, including one minor.  All detainees remained within lawful detention periods. However, the Magistrate directed officers to separate the minor from adult detainees.  In addition, she instructed officers to charge the remaining detainees to court without delay.  These actions helped protect detainees’ rights and reinforced due process. 

The team also assessed the detention environment.   Although the cells appeared clean, they were small and overcrowded.  This raised concerns about overall welfare.  Nevertheless, officers on duty remained professional and cooperative throughout the visit.

Key observations from the police oversight visit include:

• Seven detainees were in custody within lawful detention periods.

• Immediate separation of a minor from adult detainees

• Clear directives issued for timely court proceedings

• Clean but cramped detention conditions were observed

• Professional and cooperative conduct by officers during the visit.

Overall, the police oversight visit reinforced the importance of accountability, lawful detention practices and respect for human dignity. 

At AWJAI, we believe justice must be visible at every level of the system.  Therefore, we will continue conducting police oversight visits to ensure that detainees are treated fairly, safely and in accordance with the law.