The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu on Thursday pledged stronger police accountability as he received a delegation of civil society organisations, CSOs, led by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), at the Force Headquarters.
This development was communicated by DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the Force Public Relations Officer.
The meeting brought together leading voices in legal, human rights, governance, and security reform sectors.
The engagement focused on strengthening police accountability and improving human rights compliance within the Nigeria Police Force.
According to DCP Placid, “The delegation comprised prominent figures from the legal, human rights, governance, and security reform sectors. Notable members included Mr. Femi Falana, SAN; 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); Mr. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa; Mr. Bathsheba Taglia of CISLAC/Transparency International; 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).
Falana urges compliance with Police Act
Speaking during the engagement, Falana congratulated IGP Disu on his appointment and praised his vision of rights-based policing.
He, however, stressed the need for strict adherence to the Nigeria Police Act 2020, highlighting key provisions such as notifying families upon arrest, ensuring suspects have access to legal representation, and ending arrests over civil disputes.
Falana called for robust police accountability measures, insisting that erring officers must be held responsible for misconduct.
IGP Disu reaffirms reform agenda
Responding, IGP Disu expressed appreciation for the civil society engagement and reiterated his commitment to police accountability and people-centered policing.
He noted that effective policing must not only tackle major crimes but also address everyday concerns affecting citizens.
The IGP outlined ongoing reforms, including the review of training manuals, improved welfare for officers, and strict directives prohibiting interference in civil matters.
Commitment to transparency, oversight
IGP Disu further pledged to strengthen oversight mechanisms, particularly the Complaint Response Unit and Monitoring Unit, as part of efforts to boost police accountability.
He assured the delegation of transparency in police operations and reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to upholding human rights and constitutional guarantees.
The Inspector-General expressed confidence that with sustained reforms and collaboration, a more accountable and effective Nigeria Police Force is achievable.
