Falana Urges Authorities to Comply with Police Act 2020 on Suspects’ Legal Rights

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has urged the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to comply strictly with the Nigeria Police Act 2020, particularly provisions relating to family notification upon arrest, suspects’ rights to legal representation, and the prohibition of arrests for civil wrongs.

Falana also called for stronger accountability measures to ensure that officers respect constitutional guarantees and are held liable in cases of misconduct.

He gave this admonition while leading a delegation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on a courtesy visit to the IGP at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, Falana congratulated the IGP on his appointment and described his vision of policing as one rooted in the protection of human rights.

In a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said the delegation comprised prominent figures from the legal, human rights, governance, and security reform sectors. Members included Mr. Falana; Mr. Adesina Oke of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADL); Barr. Okeke Chinwike of the African Law Foundation (AFRILAW); Ms Barbara S. Magaji of Amnesty International; Mr. Anietie Ewang of Human Rights Watch (HRW); Mr. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa; Ms Bathsheba Taglia of CISLAC/Transparency International Nigeria; Mrs. Kemi Okenyodo, Executive Director of Partners West Africa-Nigeria (PWAN); and Dr. Itia Otabor of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development.

In his response, IGP Disu expressed appreciation for the engagement with civil society and reaffirmed his commitment to people-centred policing. 

He emphasised that effective policing must address both serious crimes and the everyday concerns of citizens.

He also assured the delegation of ongoing reforms, including updated training manuals, improved officer welfare, and strict directives against interference in civil matters. 

The IGP further pledged transparency and accountability, with plans to strengthen the Complaint Response Unit and Monitoring Unit.

He expressed confidence that effective policing is achievable and reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and the protection of human rights in all its operations.