HEDA seeks openess, info on legal officers in Police division

By Samuel Ogunsona

A leading civil society organization in Nigeria, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre), has formally requested from the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, information regarding the presence of legal practitioners in police divisions across the country.

In a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, HEDA demanded information on lawyers in the division with the mandate to promote public accountability, transparency, and human rights.

The civil society group 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.” the group said.

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.” He mentioned.

The group awaits swift response from the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to fostering a culture of transparency and respect for human rights in Nigeria.