From Onoriode Etatsemi, Asaba
The Delta State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS) to strengthen human rights protection and improve access to justice in the state.
Unveiled during a capacity-building workshop at the High Court Complex, Asaba, the scheme is aimed at providing free legal assistance to suspects by deploying lawyers to police facilities across Delta State.
The Chief Judge of Delta State, Hon Justice Tessy Diai, described the initiative as a major intervention in justice delivery and human rights protection, noting that legal representation, at the point of arrest, would promote due process, strengthen public confidence, and ensure compliance with the law.
She said the PDSS, established under the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2022, would provide suspects with timely access to legal advice and help reduce unlawful detention and delays in the criminal justice system.
Diai also called for greater use of non-custodial measures, and urged judicial officers to ensure compliance, with remand timelines, conduct regular inspections of custodial facilities, and protect the rights of detainees.
The Delta State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole (SAN), represented by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Omamuzo Erebe (SAN), said the initiative would address challenges affecting justice administration, including limited awareness of rights, delays, and inadequate access to legal support.
He stressed that every arrested person has fundamental rights, including the right to know the reason for arrest, dignity, and access to legal representation, adding that police officers, lawyers, and other justice stakeholders must work together to improve public confidence.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, represented by CSP Gladys Imegu, said modern policing was no longer measured by the number of arrests made but by the quality of investigations, respect for constitutional rights, and public trust.
He noted that the PDSS would not hinder police operations but would promote lawful investigations, prevent rights violations, and ensure that evidence obtained during investigations meets legal standards.
The representative of the UNDP, Mr Collins Ajibola, said the scheme was part of efforts to strengthen the Administration of the Criminal Justice framework, promote police reform, and enhance accountability within the justice system.
He explained that the PDSS provides a vital connection between the police, legal practitioners, and other stakeholders by ensuring suspects receive legal assistance during investigation and detention, while reducing the risk of involuntary confessional statements.
The initiative, supported under the UNDP Police Reform Programme, has expanded to 16 states in Nigeria, and seeks to promote professionalism, accountability, and confidence in policing.
