Police accountability, human rights: Lagos State stakeholders call for urgent reforms

Stanley Ihedigbo

A recent Town Hall meeting convened by the Lagos State Stakeholders Forum on Police Accountability highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the Lagos State Police.

The meeting, which took place  at Akowonjo, Lagos brought together diverse stakeholders, including civil society organizations, legal practitioners, human rights advocates, and the media.

According to a communique signed by Coordinator, Lagos State Stakeholders Forum on Police Accountability, Felicitas Aigbogun-Brai And Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Com. Okechukwu Nwanguma, key highlights from the meeting included the absence of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, which was seen as a missed opportunity for engagement on public safety and policing.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of police accountability, citizen awareness, and collaboration with law enforcement in achieving desired reforms.

Panel presentations highlighted progress and challenges in implementing the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), with emphasis on enhancing human rights protections, effective police accountability mechanisms, and addressing non-compliance by security agencies.

The meeting also called for strengthening oversight bodies, community engagement, public awareness campaigns, technology utilization, and advocacy for policy reforms.

Stakeholders agreed on the need to pay a courtesy visit to the police commissioner to address concerns raised during the meeting.

The Town Hall Meeting underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address police accountability and human rights violations in Lagos State.

The participation and engagement of all stakeholders are pivotal in effecting meaningful change within the criminal justice system.