A town hall meeting organised by a non-governmental organisation, the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative (RULAAC), has brought together stakeholders to discuss the Nigeria Police Act 2020 and its implications for law enforcement and citizens’ rights.
The event highlighted the need for greater public awareness and accountability within Nigeria’s policing system.
The town hall meeting, which brought together civil society members, security experts, and community representatives, explored issues such as human rights abuses, the importance of the Police Act 2020 regulations, and the need for improved governance.
The key goal was to deepen understanding of the Act and enhance collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public.
RULAAC, also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria, aims to enhance understanding of the Police Act while emphasising accountability, community policing, and institutional reforms.
Keynote speaker Okechukwu Nwanguma underscored the urgency of public enlightenment and institutional accountability in enforcing the Act, which was signed into law on September 15, 2020, by former President Muhammadu Buhari, replacing a 77-year-old policing framework.
Nwanguma described the Act as a revolutionary legal framework designed to enhance police accountability and promote human rights.
He emphasised that the Act’s focus on fairness, accountability, and human rights had the potential to transform the police force, but only if there was widespread public awareness and effective enforcement.
“The new law emphasizes fairness, equity, and collaboration with communities,” Nwanguma said, adding that without systemic enforcement and public engagement, the law’s transformative potential could remain unrealised.
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Security and peacebuilding expert Bash Olasupo, a consultant to Partners West Africa Nigeria, highlighted the importance of citizens understanding their rights when interacting with law enforcement. He detailed the four principles that govern police use of force: legality, necessity, proportionality, and accountability.
Olasupo also underscored the role of community leaders in advocating for justice and holding the police accountable when necessary.
Barr. Olu Omotayo, a participant, praised RULAAC for educating the public about the Police Act but noted that many, including legal practitioners, were still unaware of its provisions.
Omotayo pointed out key rights, such as the right to free bail and the law’s stipulation that detentions should not exceed 24 hours.
He also called attention to systemic lapses, particularly within the judiciary, that hinder the Act’s full implementation.
The Executive Director of the Heroine Women Foundation, Onyinye Mamah, emphasised the importance of disseminating the knowledge gained from the meeting to grassroots communities.
While she expressed concerns about the gap between awareness and implementation, Mamah highlighted the importance of cooperation between the police and citizens in ensuring the Act’s success.
The town hall meeting served as a platform for key stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue about the Nigeria Police Act 2020 and its potential to reshape law enforcement and safeguard citizens’ rights.
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