Justice in Custody: AWJAI and Partners Conduct Oversight Visit to Utako Police Station

What does justice look like behind bars?

It’s easy to talk about the rule of law in theory—but ensuring that it’s upheld in the cramped, often-overlooked corners of police stations is where real justice begins. That’s why, on July 31st, 2025, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), in partnership with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) and Citizens Gavel, visited the Utako Police Station as part of an ongoing effort to monitor and improve the treatment of individuals in police custody.

The oversight visit, led by Magistrate Musa Jobbo was a practical step toward enforcing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and holding the system accountable.

12 male detainees were interviewed during the inspection, including two minors aged 13 and 17. After reviewing the facts of their detention, Magistrate Jobbo ordered the release of all 12 individuals on bail. Their continued detention, it was found, did not meet the legal requirements set out by the ACJA.

The team also observed that some detainees had visible injuries, allegedly inflicted by members of the public at the time of their arrest. Disturbingly, none of them had received medical attention; a gap in care that was promptly flagged to the officers on duty.

While the Utako station’s holding cells were relatively clean and spacious, the visit revealed critical gaps in detainee welfare: lack of medical attention, the detention of minors without adequate legal review, and delayed processing.

This visit reinforces AWJAI’s mission to protect human rights and uphold the law.