November 2025 Police Oversight Visits in Abuja

In November 2025, AWJAI conducted police oversight visits in Abuja to promote transparency, accountability and respect for human rights within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.  We carried out these visits in collaboration with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) and partner organisations, in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

Through these police oversight visits in Abuja, we assessed detention conditions, reviewed compliance with the law and engaged directly with detainees and officers.

Utako Police Station – November 21, 2025

During the monitoring exercise, we interviewed 13 male detainees and reviewed their detention status.

Key Outcomes

• The magistrate granted bail to five detainees.

• Officers received clear directives to charge all detainees promptly before a court of law.

• Officers detained several individuals beyond the legally permitted timeframe.

• The police detained one individual for two full weeks and failed to present him before a court of law.

The magistrate reminded officers that the law prohibits detention beyond 48 hours without court appearance.  She emphasised strict compliance with the ACJA.

Although the cell area appeared clean and organised, with no visible signs of injury or torture on any detainee, delays in arraignment remain a serious concern.  These gaps show why sustained police oversight visits in Abuja remain necessary.

Karu and Nyanya Police Stations – November 27, 2025

In a continued effort to enhance transparency, uphold human rights, and reinforce due process within Nigeria’s criminal justice system, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), in collaboration with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) and Citizens’ Gavel, conducted a joint oversight visit to the Karu and Nyanya Police Stations on November 27, 2025.

Observations from Karu and Nyanya Police Stations

During the monitoring exercise, the team engaged two detainees at the Karu Police Station and ten detainees at the Nyanya Police Station. After the assessments, the accompanying magistrate issued directives in line with the ACJA.

The team also advised police officers to explore lawful out-of-court settlement mechanisms where appropriate.

The team identified one detainee who required rehabilitation and made the necessary recommendation to ensure the individual receives appropriate support.

This oversight intervention reflects our sustained commitment to promoting accountability and strengthening police-citizen relations. It also reinforces our goal of ensuring that authorities administer justice in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. Through collaboration and continuous monitoring, we continue to advance a system that respects dignity, fairness, and the rule of law.

Promoting Justice Through Oversight: AWJAI’s Monitoring Visit to Apo Police Station

In furtherance of our commitment to promoting transparency, safeguarding human rights, and strengthening due process within Nigeria’s criminal justice system, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), in collaboration with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Scale of Justice Foundation, and Citizens’ Gavel, conducted an oversight visit to the Apo Police Station in Abuja on November 11, 2025. His Worship, Magistrate Abdulmajid Oniyangi, led the exercise.

Observations from Apo Police Station

During the visit, the team found fourteen detainees in custody. The Magistrate interviewed each detainee individually and reviewed their cases. Following the assessments:

• The Magistrate granted bail to three detainees immediately.

• Seven detainees remained under investigation. The Magistrate directed officers to either release them or charge them before a court within the legally permitted detention period.

• Officers transferred two detainees to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for further investigation.

• Officers presented two detainees directly before a court of law.

The Magistrate reminded officers of the critical importance of strict compliance with the legal standards governing arrest, detention, and arraignment. He emphasized that unlawful or prolonged detention violates the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

Although the station environment appeared generally orderly and in good condition, an unpleasant odour from the cells highlighted the need to improve hygiene and ensure more humane detention conditions. Most officers on duty cooperated fully with the monitoring team. However, a few instances of unprofessional conduct underscored the need for continued sensitisation and stronger accountability measures.

This oversight mission reaffirms AWJAI’s dedication to advancing a justice system rooted in dignity, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.

Ensuring Accountability Through Oversight: AWJAI’s Monitoring Visit to Bwari and Ushafa Police Stations

In line with our mission to promote transparency, protect human rights, and strengthen due process within Nigeria’s criminal justice system, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI) joined the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Citizens’ Gavel, and the PPDC on a routine police monitoring visit on November 17, 2025. Her Worship, Magistrate Chiemena Okoronkwo, led the exercise.

Observations from Bwari Police Station

The team’s first stop was the Bwari Police Station, where they interviewed ten detainees. Most individuals remained within the legally permissible detention timeframe, and several cases were under active investigation.

Observations from Ushafa Police Station

At the Ushafa Police Station, the monitoring team met two detainees who had arrived earlier that morning. The officers on duty cooperated fully, and the Magistrate reiterated the purpose of these oversight exercises: to safeguard detainees’ rights, promote transparency, and prevent unlawful or prolonged detention.

This monitoring activity reinforces AWJAI’s commitment to ensuring that no one is overlooked within the justice system. Through continuous oversight visits, provision of legal assistance, and sustained rights advocacy, we work to protect vulnerable individuals and support a criminal justice system rooted in fairness, dignity, and accountability.