February 2026 Police Oversight Visits in Abuja

In February 2026, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), in collaboration with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Citizens’ Gavel, Olive Tree Initiative, Hope Behind Bars Africa, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Unity Branch and the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC), carried out police oversight visits across Abuja.

These visits are part of our ongoing work to promote accountability, ensure compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, and uphold the rule of law.

Where We Visited

Our team visited the following divisions:
Apo, Karu, Nyanya, Bwari, Ushafa, Jikwoyi, Wuye and Utako.

What We Found and Did

We engaged with 57 detainees. Case files and detention records were carefully reviewed, and we held discussions with officers to assess compliance with legal detention timelines and due process.

As a result of these visits:

Several detainees were granted bail and reunited with their families.
Some were formally charged to court to ensure due process.
Others remained in custody within lawful detention periods pending further investigation.

Why This Work Matters

Police Oversight is essential.

Without it, many detainees risk being held beyond lawful periods or forgotten in the system.

Our presence helps to:

Prevent unlawful detention

Promote transparency and accountability within police stations

Ensure that the rights and dignity of detainees are respected

More importantly, it makes justice visible in practice.

Our Commitment

AWJAI remains committed to consistent monitoring, constructive engagement with stakeholders and strengthening accountability within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

Justice must not only be promised. It must be practiced, seen and felt.