Justice in Action: Police Monitoring Visit to Utako Police Station

What Does Justice Look Like Behind Bars?

Ensuring accountability through police monitoring visits in Nigeria plays a vital role in protecting detainees’ rights and strengthening the rule of law.  

On July 31, 2025, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), alongside the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) and Citizens’ Gavel, carried out a police monitoring visit to Utako Police Station.  The team assessed detention conditions and reviewed compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

Magistrate Musa Jobbo led the visit and focused on safeguarding detainees’ rights while promoting transparency within the justice system.

During the police monitoring visit, the team met 12 male detainees in custody and interviewed each of them, including two minors aged 13 and 17.   After reviewing their cases, the Magistrate raised concerns about prolonged detention and lack of due process.   As a result, he ordered their release on bail.  

In addition, the team identified gaps in detainee welfare.  For example, some individuals reported injuries at the time of arrest but had not received proper medical care.  The team raised these concerns immediately with the officers on duty to ensure prompt attention.  

Although the holding cells appeared relatively clean and spacious, the visit highlighted ongoing challenges in detainee welfare, timely case processing, and adherence to legal safeguards.

Police monitoring visits remain a critical tool for strengthening accountability within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.  Regular engagement with police stations helps ensure compliance with legal standards, supports detainee welfare, and reinforces public trust in justice institutions.