By Stephen Simon
The Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) backed by Police Force Order 20 which empowers legal practitioners to amongst others, visit police formations to render pro bono service to indigent suspects came into action on Tuesday 9th June 2026 when officials of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria(LACON), Human Rights Committee of the NBA Surulere branch and an NGO Zarephath Aid visited the Nigeria Police Divisions at Aguda and Bode Thomas both in Surulere Lagos state.
Led by the State Director of LACON, Mrs Iyabo Akingbade the team made its first stop at the Aguda Police Division located at Soloiki Street. To welcome the team was the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP N. Joshua. Addressing the DPO on the mission of the team, the outgoing Chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the NBA Surulere branch, Mr Henry Ezeanyim explained the legal basis of the Scheme (PDSS) and what it empowered the team to do. Adding to it, the State Director of LACON noted that the team also needed to know what challenges the Division was experiencing.
In reply the DPO stated that he was familiar with the PDSS and oversight visit by Chief Magistrates pursuant to the Administration of criminal justice law(ACJL) of Lagos state. He specifically mentioned the need for manpower while recognizing that it was a national issue. He lamented that most of his men were overburdened leading to they, including himself, working sometimes for five straight days without visiting their families. The team went to the cell and observed that there were 6 inmates with different cases.
After the inspection, the team made their observations known to the DPO who promised to take immediate action. The founder of Zarephath Aid and Vice chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the NBA Surulere branch Ben Abraham emphasized the need for continuous training and lectures for the officers and men of the Division. The DPO informed the team that a plot of land had been secured for the Division and after construction they would vacate the present rented apartment. The state Director of LACON on behalf of the team appreciated the DPO for his warm welcome before the team departed for the Bode Thomas Division.
At the Bode Thomas Division, the team was welcomed by the DPO, CSP Arit Abang. The DPO was effusive in her reception for the team stating that she had looked forward to such a visit so as to express herself and her experiences in course of crime fighting and overseeing a Division.
The team was introduced to the DPO by the Chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the NBA Surulere branch Mr Henry Ezeanyim. He further addressed her on the team’s mission. The state Director of LACON also buttressed the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme. Even before the team proceeded to inspect the cells, the DPO narrated the nature of the cases that they were presently investigating and amongst other things lamented the overbearing and undue interference and pressure she was facing from high quarters including from senior lawyers in course of investigations.
The team highlighted to the DPO the need to follow due process in detaining suspects beyond the constitutional 24/48 hours. Mr Ben Abraham specifically advised that evidence gathering follow the laid down process and IPOs be available to testify in court noting that many cases failed in court because police witnesses didn’t show up. The team inspected the cell and took note of the suspects’ conditions and their cases. The team rounded off their visit with a group photo with key officials of the Division.
