Aimed towards achieving an effective law enforcement system in Nigeria, with support from Luminate Group and in partnership with Justice Development and Peace Commission, Ibadan, Citizens’ Gavel- a human rights-focused Non-Governmental Organization held a capacity-building program for officers of Law Enforcement Agencies in Nigeria on the 2nd day of February, 2021 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The focus of the training which was to promote the minimum standard in Law Enforcement Agencies sensitized and engaged the Agencies on ways to infuse best practices relating to fundamental rights in the practices and procedures of law enforcement in the country at large.
“The breach of fundamental human rights as a result of unauthorized use of force should attract disciplinary action; and in appropriate circumstances, should be treated as a crime -Dr. Ijalana former Deputy Commissioner of Police.
During his presentation, the former Deputy Commissioner of police, Dr. Ijalana, focused on sensitizing the participants on best practices in striking the balance between law enforcement agencies, investigatory powers versus the people’s rights in Nigeria.
In his address, Hon Justice Taiwo engaged the participants on the proper interpretation of their duties as law enforcement officers.
“…That investigation or prosecution is going on does not mean a suspect or a detainee should be dehumanized, beaten, tortured or even killed; extrajudicial killing or torture in the process of statement recording violates the constitution…”.
The capacity building program had a total of forty-two (42) participants who were officers and dignitaries of various law enforcement agencies ranging from the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC.
The Team Lead of Citizens’ Gavel, Nelson Olanipekun commended the tremendous effort of the various law enforcement agencies in the protection of human rights in the society, he further stressed the organization’s aim of increasing the pace of justice delivery through access to justice, digital technology and citizens’ engagement.
Against the backdrop of endsars, the organization is training law enforcement officers and has also created an avenue to give due recognition and award to patriotic officers particularly those who have displayed excellence and utmost professionalism in the performance of their public duty to citizens and Nigeria as a country.
This is achieved through a public nomination and a fact-finding background check. Officers who have exhibited professional conduct worthy of praise and recognition in the eyes of the public are thereafter rewarded along with an excellence award.
This initiative seeks to encourage and motivate officers who have shown exemplary behavior in the line of duty while also believing that the same recognition will spur other officers to exemplify good behavior in furtherance of their public duty regardless of location knowing that citizens are watching.
Written by Taiwo Makanjuola, Communications Associate, Citizens’ Gavel. She can be reached at taiwo@gavel.ng
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