The Kano State Police Command has inaugurated the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS) to safeguard human rights across the state.
The Police Commissioner, CP Mohammed Gumel who hailed the Nigerian Police Force initiative said, the scheme would ensure no person facing legal proceedings left without access to legal counsel or representation.
The 11-member PDSS Advisory Committee is to implement the initiative in the state.
According to him,“The duty solicitors scheme been launched today with its advisory committee will no doubt play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of individuals who may find themselves in challenging legal situations.
“Their knowledge, expertise, and dedication will play a pivotal role in shaping and refining the implementation of the scheme and ensuring that no person is left without access to legal counsel when facing legal proceedings.”
Gumel further explained that,“This initiative which is encapsulated in Force Order No. 20 as amended, stands as a crucial component of the ongoing reform program by the Nigeria Police Force. This giant stride is to reaffirm the commitment to upholding justice, fairness and the rule of law for the good of all people in Nigeria.
“The establishment of this committee is a testament to the current NPF leadership of IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and the resolve to the unwavering dedication to ensuring that every person’s rights are protected and upheld, in all aspect of their interactions and contact with the law. The provision of legal advice and representation to those in need is not only a fundamental right but also a cornerstone of a just and equitable society.
“Going forward this Police Command has organized several trainings on the provisions of F.O. Order 20 as well as the Kano State ACJL, 2019 for our field commanders including all Departmental Heads, Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPO) to be conversant and dynamic with the laws guiding their duties.”
Also, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State commended the inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun for the initiative which he said addresses free legal services for arrested or detained persons in police formations.
Governor Yusuf represented by Director-General, Special Services Directorate, Government retired AVM Ibrahim Umar said with the inauguration of the committee in Kano state provides golden opportunity to the residents, particularly the poor, physically challenged and vulnerable to access the free legal services while standing any legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the 11-member committee comprises of Director-General Special Services, Government House Kano, Commissioner of Justice, Kano State Chief Judge, Chairman Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission, Legal Aid Council, National Human Right Commission, Nigerian Bar Association, The Zonal Coordinator of Police Service Commission, National Orientation Agency (NOA), National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Nigeria Correctional Service, Kano State Command.
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