The Lagos State Stakeholders Forum on Police Accountability convened a Town Hall Meeting on March 12, 2025, at De Santos Hotel, Akowonjo, to address critical issues surrounding human rights, police accountability, and the criminal justice administration in Lagos State.
The meeting brought together diverse stakeholders, including civil society organizations, legal practitioners, human rights advocates, and the media, to foster dialogue and collaboration aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within the Police Force.
Key Highlights:
Absence of Key Stakeholders: The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, was not in attendance, notably omitting a pivotal opportunity to engage with stakeholders on public safety and policing.
Opening Remarks: Felicitas Aigbogun-Brai emphasized the forum’s commitment to addressing gaps in criminal justice and encouraging continuous dialogue.
Okechukwu Nwanguma of RULAAC underscored the importance of police accountability, citizen awareness, and collaboration with law enforcement in achieving desired reforms.
Panel Presentations: Presentations highlighted progress and challenges in implementing the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL).
Emphasis was placed on: Enhancing human rights protections, The need for effective police accountability mechanisms Addressing non-compliance by security agencies and the importance of public participation in crime reduction initiatives.
Engagement with the Attorney General’s Office: Represented by Mrs. Inimidun Solarin, discussions included the critical role of the ACJL in reforming the justice system while acknowledging existing challenges, such as media parading of suspects and inadequate technology use in police practice.
Accountability Mechanisms: Dr Lucas Koyejo from the NHRC articulated the need for robust legal protections and institutional frameworks to uphold police accountability.
He called attention to, existing challenges of corruption, political interference, and ineffective oversight mechanisms.
He also called for a better training of police officers, community engagement, and cultural changes within the force to promote a service-oriented ethos.
Recommendations:
Strengthening Oversight Bodies: Enhance the effectiveness and independence of institutions like the Police Service Commission and NHRC through increased funding and political neutrality.
Community Engagement: Implement continuous community-based policing initiatives to build public trust and enhance cooperation between citizens and law enforcement.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch initiatives to educate citizens on their rights and available mechanisms for reporting police misconduct.
Technology Utilization: Equip law enforcement with body cameras and establish a centralized complaint-tracking system to ensure accountability and transparency.
Advocacy for Policy Reforms: Work collaboratively with stakeholders to advocate for the full implementation of the ACJL and to demand adherence to human rights standards.
Follow-Up Actions: Stakeholders agreed on the need to pay a courtesy visit to the police commissioner to address concerns raised during the meeting.
Conclusion:
This Town Hall Meeting underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address police accountability and human rights violations in Lagos State.
The participation and engagement of all stakeholders are pivotal in effecting meaningful change within the criminal justice system.
The absence of police representation was a limiting factor, and this forum calls for enhanced commitment from law enforcement to foster a collaborative environment aimed at justice delivery and public safety.
COMMUNIQUE FROM THE TOWN HALL MEETING ON POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY ON THE THEME: ‘Human Rights, Police Accountability and Criminal Justice Delivery in Lagos State’ HELD ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12, 2025, AT DE SANTOS HOTEL, AKOWONJO, LAGOS STATE, ORGANIZED BY Lagos State Stakeholders Forum on Police Accountability, FACILITATED BY Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC)
