The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has tasked police duty solicitors across five states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to be committed to aid quick dispensation of justice in police stations.
The chief executive officer of PPDC, Mr Jubril Shittu, made the call over the weekend in Abuja during the Access to Justice Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS) training of 50 police duty solicitors across five states – Adamawa, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and the FCT.
Shittu, represented by senior programme manager of the PPDC, Mr Kenechukwu Agwu, listed the states to include Adamawa, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna and the FCT.
“We have 10 young lawyers in each of the states, especially those still undergoing their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme and those who have had one or two years experience at the bar,” he said.
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He said the training was designed to equip the duty solicitors with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to excel in their vital roles; and that the PDSS is a scheme where the centre uses young lawyers and corps members stationed at the police stations to provide justice to Nigerians.
He said the essence of the initiative was to provide free legal representation and assistance to indigent suspects and reduce the number of detainees at police stations and correctional centres.
He urged solicitors to have compassion, integrity and unwavering commitment to justice as every individual they may represent is entitled to fair treatment.
He said, “Whether it is in the early hours of the morning in a police station or during a critical court appearance, your role is pivotal in ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done.”
He commended the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the Unites States (US) Department of State for the support that has enabled them to start off the PPDC’s PDSS.
The technical assistant to the director-general, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, Mr Bamidele Ibikunle, urged participants to be passionate about their duties and always sensitise their clients about their rights.
Speaking on ‘PDSS in Nigeria: The role of PDSS in protecting detainees,’ Ibikunle said the major challenge Nigerians had was ignorance of their rights.
“As a duty solicitor, you are expected to provide legal assistance to indigent suspects within the first 48 hours of arrest at the police station. Ensure that due processes of law are undertaken in the course of investigation; also ensure that all facilities needed by the suspect for his/her defence are available. Also ensure that you reduce the duration of pre-trial detention at the police station, among others,” he said.
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