August 2025 Police Oversight Visits with ACJMC

In August 2025, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI) conducted police oversight visits across multiple stations in Abuja. The initiative promotes transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

Police Oversight Visit to Wuse Zone 3 Police Station (14 August 2025)

As part of ongoing police oversight visits, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), in collaboration with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Citizens’ Gavel, PPDC, and Legend Golden Care Foundation, conducted a monitoring visit to Wuse Zone 3 Police Station. The visit, led by Magistrate Theresa Otu, aimed to ensure compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and safeguard the rights and welfare of detainees.

During the visit, 17 detainees were found in custody, including two minors aged 16 and 17. The Magistrate ordered the immediate release of the minors, and all detainees were interviewed to assess their status and well-being. Several detainees were directed to be promptly charged to court. The team also addressed urgent needs on the spot, providing food and medical attention where required.

Key observations and outcomes of the visit:

• Seventeen detainees in custody, including two minors immediately released

• All detainees interviewed and directed to be charged to court as appropriate

• Urgent needs addressed: provision of food and medication

• Officers cooperative and compliant with lawful detention procedures

• Reinforced the importance of humane treatment alongside legal compliance

This visit reflects AWJAI’s commitment to justice that is not only legal but also humane, ensuring the rights and dignity of all detainees are respected.

At AWJAI, we believe that accountability and human dignity go hand in hand. Through continued police oversight visits, we remain dedicated to protecting the rights of every person in custody and ensuring that justice reaches beyond the courtroom.

Police Oversight Visits to Bwari and Ushafa Police Stations (18 August 2025)

Through continued police oversight visits, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), led by Magistrate Chiemena Nonye Okoronkwo, conducted monitoring visits to Bwari and Ushafa Police Stations. The exercise aimed to ensure compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and uphold the rights and dignity of detainees.

During the visits, nine detainees were found in custody: eight at Bwari and one at Ushafa. Following interviews and review of their cases, the Magistrate granted bail to all detainees, ensuring that no one remained unlawfully detained.

Key observations and outcomes of the visits:

• Nine detainees in custody (eight at Bwari, one at Ushafa)

• All detainees granted bail after review

• Police officers reminded to comply with lawful detention periods (no detention beyond 48 hours without bail or court appearance)

• Visits reinforced adherence to due process and the protection of detainees’ rights

These visits underscore AWJAI’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and humane treatment within police detention facilities.

At AWJAI, we believe that justice reaches its full meaning when the law protects every individual. Through consistent police oversight visits, we remain dedicated to safeguarding human rights and ensuring lawful, fair, and timely treatment for all detainees.

Police Oversight Visit to Nyanya Police Station (26 August 2025)

As part of AWJAI’s continuous police oversight visits, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), alongside Magistrate Haruna A. Haruna and in partnership with Citizens’ Gavel, conducted a monitoring visit to Nyanya Police Station. The exercise aimed to ensure compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and safeguard the rights and dignity of detainees.

During the visit, three detainees were found in custody, all within the lawful detention period. The cells were poorly maintained and required urgent sanitation. His Worship ordered that the detainees be granted bail, while AWJAI provided immediate support by donating sanitary supplies, addressing concerns previously raised about unclean and uncomfortable detention conditions.

Key observations and outcomes of the visit:

• Three detainees were found in custody, all within lawful detention periods

• All detainees granted bail following review

• Poor cell conditions observed; immediate sanitation support provided by AWJAI

• Visit reinforced lawful detention practices, accountability, and respect for detainees’ rights

• Follow-up ensured ongoing improvements to detention conditions

This visit reflects AWJAI’s commitment to promoting justice, accountability, and humane treatment within Nigeria’s policing system.

At AWJAI, we believe that dignity and lawful treatment must extend to every corner of the justice system. Through continued police oversight visits, we remain dedicated to ensuring that all detainees are treated fairly, safely, and humanely.

Why Oversight Matters

Every police oversight visits reinforces the importance of independent monitoring in promoting human rights and the rule of law. Regular oversight:

• Prevents unlawful detention
• Ensures compliance with legal standards
• Enhances public trust in law enforcement
• Guarantees detainees are treated with dignity and fairness

At AWJAI, we believe justice begins with accountability. From arrest to detention to court, our mission is to protect rights, uphold the law, and ensure humane treatment for all.