Lagos CP promises lawyers access to detainees

Oladimeji Ramon

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Hakeem Odumosu, has promised to give lawyers easy access to detainees in police custody.

Odumosu, who said he was committed to respect for the rights of detainees, added that he would give necessary support to the Nigerian Bar Association Police Duty Solicitor Scheme.

A statement on Sunday quoted the police commissioner to have said this when he was visited by a delegation of the NBA, Lagos branch; Legal Aid Council of Nigeria; British Council’s Rule of Law and Anti-corruption; and Rights Enforcement and Public Law Centre.

The statement by the Chairman of the Lagos NBA PDSS, Emeka Nwadioke, quoted Odumosu as noting that the criminal justice administration started with policing and assuring the delegation of the cooperation of the command in promoting rule of law and access to justice.

“It is a symbiotic relationship; rest assured of our commitment. Everything the stakeholders are doing is towards making society better,” he said.

While introducing the Officer-in-Charge of the Legal Unit, SP Yetunde Cardoso, as the “Judicial Liaison Officer” for the command, Odumosu, urged lawyers engaging with the police to conduct themselves properly.

The Zonal Director of the Legal Aid Council (South-West), Mrs Latifat Salau, who led the delegation, explained that the PDSS programme was aimed at “looking at the welfare of inmates, ensure that they do not spend longer time than is constitutionally provided for, and generally secure their fundamental rights.”

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