September 2025 Police Oversight Visits with ACJMC

In September 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 Utako Police Station (August 28, 2025)

As part of ongoing police oversight visits, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), in partnership with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), conducted a routine monitoring visit to Utako Police Station to promote transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system.

During the visit, His Worship, Magistrate Musa Jobbo interviewed 11 detainees to assess their detention conditions and ensure compliance with constitutional and legal safeguards under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

Following the review, five detainees were granted bail, while two were directed to be charged to court immediately. The remaining four detainees were retained in custody pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

Key outcomes of the visit:

• Five detainees were granted bail

• Two detainees were charged to court

• Four detainees remained in custody for further investigation

• Detention cells were in good condition with access to running water

• No minors were found in custody

• Officers on duty acted professionally and in accordance with the law

At AWJAI, we believe that justice begins with accountability. Through sustained police oversight visits, we remain committed to protecting human rights and promoting a fair, humane, and efficient justice system across Nigeria.

Police Oversight Visit to Bwari and Ushafa Police Stations (1 September 2025)

As part of ongoing police oversight visits, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), in collaboration with Citizens Gavel and the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), conducted a monitoring visit to Bwari and Ushafa Police Stations to assess detention practices and ensure compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

The visit was led by Her Worship, Magistrate Chiemena Okoronkwo, and focused on safeguarding the dignity, rights, and constitutional protections of detainees in police custody.

At Bwari Police Station, 13 detainees were found in custody. Some had been detained beyond the legally permissible period, prompting the Magistrate to direct that all affected detainees be charged to court immediately in line with due process requirements.

At Ushafa Police Station, three detainees were found in custody, all of whom were being detained within the lawful timeframe prescribed by law.

Key observations and outcomes of the visit:

• Thirteen detainees were found at Bwari Police Station

• Detainees held beyond the lawful period were ordered to be charged to court immediately

• Three detainees were found at Ushafa Police Station, all within the lawful detention period

• The visit reinforced compliance with the ACJA and the importance of lawful detention practices

At AWJAI, we believe that justice begins with accountability. Through sustained police oversight visits, we remain committed to preventing unlawful detention, promoting police accountability, and ensuring that justice extends beyond the courtroom to those in custody.

Police Oversight Visit to Apo Police Station (16 September 2025)

As part of ongoing police oversight visits, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), alongside His Worship, Magistrate Abdulmajid Oniyangi, conducted a monitoring visit to Apo Police Station to assess detention practices and ensure compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

During the visit, the team met 22 detainees and identified instances of unlawful detention arising from misunderstandings and minor disputes.

Key observations and outcomes of the visit:

• One detainee involved in a property dispute was immediately released following review and mediation

• Six construction workers held for a theft they did not commit were discharged and promptly released

• The visit highlighted the need to prevent criminalisation of civil disputes and minor infractions

• Police officers were cooperative, facilitating access to records and detainees

At AWJAI, we believe that freedom is a right, not a privilege. Through consistent police oversight visits, we remain committed to ensuring fairness, protecting human rights, and safeguarding the dignity of every person in custody.

Police Oversight Visit to Dawaki Police Station (18 September 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), Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), and Citizens Gavel, conducted a monitoring visit to Dawaki Police Station to assess detention practices and ensure compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

The visit, led by His Worship, Magistrate Muhammed Tahir, focused on safeguarding the rights, dignity, and lawful treatment of detainees in custody.

During the visit, twelve detainees were found in custody: eight in the cell and four behind the counter. Four detainees were granted bail on the spot, while the remaining detainees were ordered to be immediately charged to court. The cells were generally clean and well maintained, reflecting improved detention conditions. Officers were cooperative and professional, though the Magistrate emphasised the need to strictly adhere to the law to prevent any detainee from being held beyond the legally permissible period.

Key observations and outcomes of the visit:

• Twelve detainees in custody (eight in cell, four behind counter)

• Four detainees granted bail on the spot

• Remaining detainees ordered to be charged to court immediately

• Detention cells are generally clean and well-maintained

• Officers were cooperative, and adherence to lawful detention was reinforced

• Instances of unlawful detention were documented and followed up

At AWJAI, we believe that justice begins with accountability. Through regular police oversight visits, we remain committed to protecting human dignity, preventing abuse, and ensuring that the law treats everyone equally, including those in custody.

Police Oversight Visits to Kuje and Riverpark Police Stations

As part of ongoing police oversight visits, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), in partnership with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) and Citizens Gavel, conducted monitoring visits to Kuje Police Station and Riverpark Police Station. The exercise aimed to ensure law enforcement practices comply with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and uphold the rights and dignity of detainees.

The visits were led by His Worship, Magistrate Muhammed Munir Sani, and focused on promoting transparency, fairness, and respect for human rights in police detention practices.

Key observations and outcomes of the visits:

• At Kuje Police Station: one detainee granted bail; three detainees directed to be taken to court without delay

• Detention conditions at Kuje generally compliant with the law, though challenges were noted including inconsistent water supply and poor toilet facilities

• Officers at Kuje were cooperative, with some providing water for detainees personally; renovation plans are underway

• At Riverpark Police Station: no detainees in custody; cells clean and well maintained

• Officers at Riverpark fully compliant with lawful detention procedures

• Visits reinforced the importance of lawful detention, accountability, and safeguarding detainees’ rights

These visits underscore AWJAI’s ongoing commitment to promoting accountability, protecting human dignity, and supporting reforms that strengthen fairness within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

At AWJAI, we believe that justice is not confined to courtrooms; it lives in every police cell, every action taken, and every life protected by the rule of law. Through consistent police oversight visits, we remain dedicated to ensuring that the rights of every person in custody are respected.

Police Oversight Visits to Nyanya and Karu Police Stations (29 September 2025)

As part of ongoing police oversight visits, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), in collaboration with key justice partners, the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Citizens Gavel, and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), conducted monitoring visits to Nyanya and Karu Police Stations. The visits aimed to assess compliance with due process and ensure the human rights of detainees are respected under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

The exercise was led by His Worship, Magistrate Haruna A. Haruna, and focused on promoting accountability, transparency, and humane treatment within police detention practices.

Key observations and outcomes of the visits:

• Nyanya Police Station: no detainees in custody; officers cooperative and compliant; cells noted to have poor sanitation and unpleasant odors, with recommendations for immediate improvement

• Karu Police Station: thirteen detainees in custody; five on court-ordered remand, six already arraigned, two granted bail on the spot; officers cooperative and compliant; poor ventilation and unpleasant odors observed, with ongoing renovation efforts

• Both visits reinforced adherence to lawful detention procedures and highlighted areas for improving detention conditions

• Visits emphasised the importance of accountability, humane treatment, and respect for detainees’ rights

These visits demonstrate AWJAI’s ongoing commitment to ensuring transparency, upholding detainees’ rights, and promoting fairness within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

At AWJAI, we believe that justice is not complete until it reaches every corner of the system, from the courtroom to the cellblock. Through sustained police oversight visits, we remain dedicated to protecting human dignity and ensuring that the law treats every person equally.

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Police Oversight Visit to Utako Police Station (30 September 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), the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), and Citizens Gavel, conducted a monitoring visit to Utako Police Station. The visit, led by His Worship, Magistrate Musa Jobbo, aimed to ensure adherence to due process and the humane treatment of detainees in custody under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

During the visit, nine detainees were found in custody. Some had already been charged to court, others had been granted bail, and one remained under investigation. Cells were clean, orderly, and well maintained, and officers were commended for upholding a decent environment. The Magistrate reminded officers of the importance of ensuring that no suspect is detained beyond the period permitted by law.

Key observations and outcomes of the visit:

• Nine detainees in custody; varying statuses: charged, granted bail, or under investigation

• Cells are clean, orderly, and well-maintained

• Officers are cooperative and professional, upholding detainees’ rights

• Magistrate reinforced adherence to lawful detention periods and ACJA compliance

• AWJAI documented observations and followed up on detainees granted bail

This visit reflects a shared commitment to justice, accountability, and respect for human dignity within Nigeria’s policing system.

At AWJAI, we believe that detention must uphold human dignity, due process must be respected, and accountability should be embedded at every level of law enforcement. Through continued police oversight visits, we remain dedicated to protecting the rights of every person in custody.