Police Oversight Visits October 2025: Strengthening Accountability With ACJMC
In October 2025, AWJAI carried out police oversight visits across several police stations in Abuja. These visits promote transparency, accountability and respect for human rights within Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
We worked in collaboration with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), the Nigerian Bar Association and Citizens’ Gavel. Magistrates led each visit to ensure compliance with the law and protect the rights of detainees.
Bwari and Ushafa Police Stations – October 13, 2025
AWJAI conducted joint police oversight visits to Bwari and Ushafa Police Stations. Her Worship, Magistrate Chiemena Nonye Okoronkwo, lead the delegation.
Bwari police Station
The team met fourteen detainees in custody. After reviewing their cases:
- Five detainees were released on bail
- Two individuals were promptly taken before a court of law
- Three were transferred to the State CID for further investigation.
- The remaining detainees were still within the lawful detention period
The station was generally clean and officers cooperated fully. However, a faint unpleasant odour from the cells showed the need for improved hygiene and more humane detention conditions.
Ushafa Police Station
Conditions at Ushafa were more positive. Only two detainees were in custody and both were under active investigation. The team observed that:
- Facilities were in good condition
- Officers were fully compliant with lawful procedures and standards
- Detention practices complied with legal standards
This reflects progress and offers a model for what lawful and rights-respecting policing can look like when oversight mechanisms are in place and taken seriously.
Apo Police Station – October 14, 2025
On October 14, 2025, AWJAI joined the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee, the Nigerian Bar Association and the Public and Private Development Centre for another round of police oversight visits at Apo Police Station.
His Worship, Magistrate Abdulmajid Oniyangi, led the visit.
Key outcomes
The team found 11 detainees, 10 men and 1 woman. Most faced theft-related allegations, including one case involving theft by a servant amounting to ₦2.3 million.
After reviewing records:
- Three detainees were granted bail
- Five were charged to court
- Four remained under investigation
The Magistrate confirmed that most detainees were still within the lawful detention timeframe. He commended the division for complying with due process.
Although a slight odour emanated from the cell area, the station was generally clean. Officers on duty were cooperative and professional. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Uchenna Igwebuike, was particularly supportive and provided access to records.
Karu and Nyanya Police Stations – October 15, 2025
On October 15, 2025, AWJAI and ACJMC conducted further police oversight visits to Karu and Nyanya Police Stations. His Worship, Magistrate Haruna A. Haruna, led the monitoring.
Karu Police Station
The team found 8 detainees:
- Two men arrested for theft
- Six women arrested for prostitution
After interviews, the magistrate granted bail to all six women. He also advised them and encouraged them to make better choices. The Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Human Rights Committee supported the process.
Nyanya Division
At Nyanya, the team met four detainees:
- Two jointly charged with mischief
- One charged with rape of a minor and sodomy
- One charged with theft by a servant
The NBA Human Rights Committee offered to intervene in the case involving the young man accused of stealing from his employer, to facilitate negotiation and possible restitution instead of extended detention or court delays.
Magistrate Haruna urged officers to charge only appropriate cases to court. He emphasised that police should use discretion to reduce unnecessary detention and avoid overcrowding in the courts.
Why Police Oversight Visits Matters
These police oversight visits play a vital role in protecting rights and strengthening the justice system.
Regular monitoring helps to:
- Prevent unlawful detention
- Improve conditions inside detention facilities
- Promote compliance with legal standards
- Strengthen public trust in law enforcement
At AWJAI, we believe justice begins at the point of arrest. Therefore, we continue to monitor police stations, support lawful procedures and advocate for a system built on dignity, fairness and accountability.
