The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Makurdi Branch, in collaboration with Justice Right Initiative (JRI) has presented the State Police Command summarised copies of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law passed by the State government.
NBA Makurdi Chairman, Barr Justin Gbagir, in company of other members of the association presented over 100 booklets titled: The Role of the Police in the Administration of Justice in Nigeria, with Benue State in focus to the State Police Commissioner, CP. Akingbola Olatunji.
Speaking during their visit, Barr. Gbagir said the gesture was part of their effort to ensure that the Nigeria Police discharge their duties effectively and without violations and abuse of human rights in Benue State.
Gbagir said he was moved to produce the copies after his human rights were allegedly violated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) when he was beaten and injured by their officials some months back in Makurdi, as well as others in the state.
He said the NBA in Makurdi and JRI are poised to ensuring that police officers, from time to time, make references to it to understand their responsibilities since the bulky law has been summarised, made easy and handy.
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The association noted that with the effective administration of criminal justice law fully in place, human rights infractions by the police and other security agents will be curtailed.
The State Police Commissioner, Tunji Akingbola, emphasised that the role of the citizens and the police in nation building cannot be downplayed, stressing that “while we talk of citizens’ rights we should also talk about Police rights, as both rights are important.”
He, however, commended the singular effort of the NBA chairman and their partner for the presentation assuring that the copies will be distributed to police officers under the command.
CP Olatunji also promised to work with them to assist the command educate police officers on the human rights law in the administration of criminal justice.
