The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), a leading civil society organization has formally requested information from the Nigeria Police Force regarding the presence of legal practitioners in police divisions across the country. This request aligns with the organization’s mandate to promote public accountability, transparency, and human rights in Nigeria.
HEDA in the request, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, highlighted Section 66(3)(a)(b) of the Police Act 2020, which mandates that every police division must have at least one officer qualified to practice as a legal practitioner. These officers are responsible for promoting human rights compliance among police personnel.
In accordance with the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, 2011, the anti-corruption and human rights group seeks the contact numbers of these qualified legal practitioners stationed at police divisions nationwide, noting that the information is crucial for educating the public and providing them with the necessary tools to report human rights abuses by police officers.
HEDA’s Chairman, Olanrewaju Suraju, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The presence of legal practitioners in police stations is a critical step towards ensuring human rights compliance within the Nigerian Police Force. By making this information accessible, we empower citizens to hold law enforcement accountable and uphold the rule of law.”
HEDA Resource Centre looks forward to a prompt response from the Nigeria Police Force and remains committed to fostering a culture of transparency and respect for human rights in Nigeria.
