March 2026 Police Oversight Visits in Abuja
In March 2026, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), in collaboration with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) and Citizens’ Gavel, carried out police oversight visits across Abuja.
These visits remain a core part of our work to strengthen accountability, promote compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and protect the rights of individuals within the criminal justice system.
Where We Visited
Our team visited the following police divisions: Karu, Nyanya, Kuje, Apo, Utako, Maitama, Bwari, Ushafa and Durumi.
What We Found and Did
During the visits, we engaged with 62 detainees. We reviewed case files and detention records, and we spoke directly with officers to assess compliance with lawful detention time limits and due process.
As a result of these visits:
27 detainees were granted bail and reunited with their families
7 detainees were formally charged to court to ensure due process
15 detainees remained under active investigation
Other cases were resolved through settlement with complainants.
Some individuals were transferred to rehabilitation centers.
These outcomes show how timely oversight leads to immediate action and prevents unnecessary detention.
Why This Work Matters
Police oversight visits play a critical role in ensuring justice is upheld in practice.
Without regular monitoring, detainees may be held beyond lawful limits or overlooked within the system. However, consistent oversight helps prevent this.
Through these visits, we:
Our presence helps to:
Prevent unlawful or prolonged detention
Promote transparency and accountability within police divisions
Safeguard the rights and dignity of detainees
More importantly, we ensure that justice is not only expected, but actively delivered.
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 practised, visible and experienced by all.
Moments from the Visits
The images below capture key moments from our March 2026 Oversight Visits:
