Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kola Oyelere
Published on 2024-03-06 11:56:13
The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, recently issued a stern warning to Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) regarding the detention of suspects beyond 25 hours without bail or court charges. This warning came during an inspection visit to several divisional police offices in Kano Metropolitan, where the CP emphasized the importance of upholding the rights of suspects.
CP Gumel made it clear that holding suspects beyond 24 hours before initiating court proceedings is a direct violation of their rights. Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court, and it is essential to ensure their fundamental human rights are protected during the investigation process. The CP also stressed that the bail process should be free and that DPOs should prioritize safeguarding the rights of suspects while avoiding actions that could harm their welfare.
During his interactions with the DPOs, the CP reiterated that bail should be granted promptly once all conditions are met. These unscheduled visits to police formations in Kano are in line with the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS) launched in December, which highlights the importance of upholding legal standards and protecting the rights of individuals within the criminal justice system.
The CP stated, “All sectors of society would want to see what the police are doing in terms of access to justice.” He also mentioned that there was a directive from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to all Commissioners of Police to launch the PDSS to ensure fundamental human rights, access to justice, and free legal services for all. The CP expressed his determination to make the practical aspect of the PDSS a reality and mentioned that they had visited various police stations within the metropolis, including Zango Police Division, Fagga Police Division, Sharada Police Division, and the Correctional Centre at Janguza.
During the visits, the CP was accompanied by representatives from the Correctional Centre, the National Human Rights Commission, the judiciary, the office of the state Attorney General, and Civil Society Organizations. The team toured the facilities at these locations, including the Court inside the Correctional Centre handling special cases.
By taking these proactive measures and ensuring that suspects’ rights are protected, the Kano State Police Force is demonstrating its commitment to upholding the rule of law and providing fair and just treatment to all individuals within the criminal justice system. This initiative aims to promote transparency and accountability while also building trust between law enforcement agencies and the community they serve.
In conclusion, the efforts of CP Gumel and the Kano State Police Force to uphold legal standards and protect the rights of suspects are commendable. It is essential for law enforcement agencies to operate within the confines of the law and ensure that justice is served fairly and without bias. By implementing the PDSS and conducting regular inspections of police formations, the Kano State Police Force is setting a positive example for other law enforcement agencies to follow.
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