The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on 26th June 2025, received the delegation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja.
The visit was marked by commendations to the IGP and the Nigeria Police Force for notable strides in enhancing swift justice delivery across the country.
The ACJMC delegation, led by its Executive Secretary, Mrs. Evbu Igbinedion, Esq., included prominent stakeholders in the legal and justice sector such as the Director General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Mr. Aliyu Abubakar, and the Director of Civil and Political Rights from the National Human Rights Commission, among others. During the meeting, the committee applauded the IGP for his progressive reforms and proactive leadership, which have significantly improved the capacity and performance of the Police within the criminal justice system.
In their remarks, the committee emphasised the central role of the Nigeria Police Force as the critical entry point to the criminal justice system, acknowledging the numerous operational challenges the Force continues to face. They highlighted the need for sustained reform, inter-agency collaboration, and the protection of citizens’ rights, especially during arrests and investigations.
One of the key appeals presented by the committee was the resuscitation of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) — a program enshrined in Force Order 20 and supported by Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The PDSS is designed to ensure that every arrested or accused person receives prompt legal representation from the point of arrest through the investigation process, thereby reinforcing the right to a fair hearing and safeguarding against abuse.
In response, the IGP appreciated the visit and recognised the significance of such engagements in strengthening collaboration for efficient justice delivery. The IGP further affirmed that the Nigeria Police Force remains fully committed to upholding its constitutional and legal responsibilities, especially in respect to human rights protection and accountability, and assured the committee of the Force’s readiness to collaborate on its mandate, pledging the continual training and capacity building for officers to embed human rights principles into everyday policing practices.
The IGP reiterated the Force’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct and rights violations by its personnel, affirming that the current leadership of the Force is dedicated to building a professionally competent, citizen-focused police service that delivers on its core mandate of ensuring public safety, justice, and the rule of law.
