- Safiu Kehinde
A delegation of the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) led by Human Rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has paid a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
The delegation visited Disu at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
This was made known in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid.
According to Okon, the delegation comprised prominent figures from the legal, human rights, governance, and security reform sectors.
Meanwhile, Falana, in his remark on behalf of the CSOs, congratulated IGP Disu on his appointment and commended his vision of policing as a mission rooted in the protection of human rights.
He urged strict compliance with the Nigeria Police Act 2020, particularly provisions on family notification upon arrest, suspects’ rights to legal representation, and the prohibition of arrests for civil wrongs.
Falana further called for stronger accountability measures to ensure officers respect constitutional guarantees and are held liable in cases of misconduct.
Responding, Disu expressed deep appreciation for the engagement of civil society and reaffirmed his commitment to people-centered policing.
He noted that effective policing must address both major crimes and the everyday concerns of citizens.
The IGP assured the delegation of ongoing reforms, including updated training manuals, improved officer welfare, and strict directives against interference in civil matters.
He also pledged transparency and accountability and committed to improving the Complaint Response Unit and Monitoring Unit.
Disu expressed confidence that effective policing is attainable and reaffirmed that the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in prioritizing accountability, transparency, and the protection of human rights across all its operations.
Notable members of the delegation included Mr. Adesina Oke, Esq. of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADL); Barr. Okeke Chinwike of the African Law Foundation (AFRILAW); Mr. Barbara S. Magaji of Amnesty International; Mr. Anietie Ewang of Human Rights Watch (HRW); and Mr. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa.
Others include Mr. 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 & Development (Centre LSD).