Justice Sector records another milestone as Adamawa CP inaugurates Police Duty Solicitor Scheme Advisory Cttee
The Administration of Criminal Justice (ACJ) has recorded another milestone in Adamawa State as the commissioner of police, inaugurates Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) advisory committee in Yola today.
The event was organized by the NBA human right committee in collaboration with the Nigeria police Force. The event was supported International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (I-IDEA) under the European Union funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme.
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The commissioner of police, CP Morris Dankombo who was represented at the occasion by AC State CID. Barr. Nkem Raphael while charging the committee to work with diligence and patriotism, thank I-IDEA for it continuous support to the Justice Sector in the State. He added that the PDSS will go a long way in not only mitigating the effect of lack of adequate Lawyers in the Police stations but also improve compliance international and domestic Laws that promote and protect the rights of suspects.
The State Coordinator while outlining the objectives of the scheme stressed that RoLAC is supporting the PDSS so as to increase access to free and qualitative Justice to suspects and detainees. According to Abdullahi the scheme is expected to bridge the gab in access to free legal service by suspects and detainees, uphold their dignity and respect for human rights and increase transparency and accountability in the work of the Police.
She noted that in 2017 former inspector general of police approved the constitution of the committee noting that only few states keyed into it noting that the vision of Adamawa CP in inaugurating the committee will bring justice to the door steps of the common man.
Abdullahi noted that the reason for the formation of the (PDSS) advisory committee is due to dearth of legal counsels in the police force making it necessary to collaborate with lawyers willing to offer free legal services to be part of the bandwagon.
She added that the committee gets its remit from section 36 (5) of the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) which presumes that all accused persons are innocent until proven guilty adding that suspects or accused persons have the right to be treated with respect and dignity in the course of litigation.
Abdullahi added that other rights that should be enjoyed by suspects and accused persons include; the right to be informed about the nature of offence they committed in a language they understand; should be given adequate time to prepare defence and should be allowed to select the counsel of their choice amongst other rights.
She commended the state police force for complying with the provisions of the ACJL in many instances urging them to maintain the tempo.
According to Abdullahi, some of the aims and objectives of the advisory committee is to contribute to the realization of the ongoing reforms by the IG, increase the protection of legal and human rights of suspects and detainees and promote access to justice for the poor, vulnerable and marginalized populations amongst others.
She called on the solicitors to maintain open and cordial relationship with police and contribute to public safety, report to police stations regularly, and attend to legal needs of suspects and detainees in a professional manner.
Also speaking, the Chief Judge of Adamawa State, Justice Hafsat Abdurrahman thanked the RoLAC II for the new feat attained in Adamawa State noting that the development will seriously promote the delivery of justice.
Abdurrahman who was represented by Barr. Helen Samuel, Deputy Chief Registrar litigation, High Court of Justice, Yola said the development will greatly come to the rescue of the vulnerable and marginalized populace.
She noted that the office of the CJ is opened to all stakeholders in the justice sector whenever the need arise promising to work with them to ensure justice for all.
Also speaking, NBA human rights committee chairperson, Kowaobo Takoni said, the inauguration of the committee marked an epoch in the administration of criminal justice in the state.
She noted that the committee consist of members of the NBA, the police, legal aid counsel and other critical players in the ACJ in Adamawa State.
Takoni added that the importance of the committee cannot be overemphasized as human rights should be enjoyed by all members of the society regardless of social status.
She added that due to the constitutional provision that a suspect is presumed innocent till proven guilty, suspects have the leverage to enjoy unfettered rights till justice is served.
She said NBA deemed it right to fully key into the committee as its contribution towards the enhancement and strengthening of the criminal justice system in Adamawa State.
In his goodwill message, the Zonal Coordinator, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria Barr Frank Ogbe thanked Adamawa State commissioner of police Morris Dankombo for the priority which he accorded the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) in the state by accepting all the six points advocacy demands of her team culminating in the inauguration of the advisory committee about four weeks after he assumed office as CP
