A scalding report by the Network on Police Reforms in Nigeria (NOPRIN) has indicted the Nigeria Police Force of human rights violation and poor amenities.

The report, entitled: ‘Reforming Police Detention Facilities in Nigeria: Enhancing Oversight and Accountability Measures’, was the outcome of investigation by NOPRIN, in partnership with the judiciary, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

While presenting the report yesterday in Abuja, NOPRIN Vice Chairperson, Felicitas Aigbogun, noted that a team, comprising members from the judiciary, NHRC, and civil society organisations conducted on-site visits to 30 urban and rural police stations in Akwa-Ibom, Bauchi, Enugu, Kano, Niger, and Ondo States.

According to her, questionnaires were administered, observed operations, examined documents, engaged with relevant stakeholders, and found out that the police were preventing human rights activists from visiting their imprisoned clients.

Aigbogun added that most detention facilities lacked basic minimum human rights standards and decency while maintaining gender and age sensitivity.

She recommended that there was a need for adequate funding of police to ensure that police detention facilities were maintained and serviced to meet human habitable conditions, respect gender and human rights and sensitive to age categorisation.

“The findings of this report highlight a critical need for reforms in our police detention facilities. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these facilities are humane and meet international standards,” she said.

NHRC Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Okechukwu Ojukwu, in his remarks, said the report underscored the importance of oversight and accountability in the justice system.

Ojukwu, represented by a senior official, Ben Agwu, said: “We call on the government and all relevant stakeholders to take immediate action to improve the conditions in police detention facilities.”

Also, UNDP Programme Specialist on Rule of Law and Human Rights, Napoleon Enayaba, noted that “the UNDP is committed to supporting Nigeria in its efforts to enhance human rights and the rule of law.

“This report is a significant step towards ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.” (Saturday Sun)

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