PSC Chairman Calls For Equal Treatment Of Police Lawyers, Urges NBA To Ensure Same Rank As Other Professionals

*Lagos State E-Filing Platform Branded As ‘Manual IT Filing’ By Senior Lawyer, Ayo Obe Echoes Concerns

At the commemoration of Global Human Rights Day on December 10, 2024, at the NBA National Secretariat Auditorium in Abuja, key speakers highlighted critical issues surrounding human rights violations and called for urgent reforms.

PSC chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), expressed concerns over the treatment of police lawyers compared to other professionals within the Nigeria Police Force. He noted that while doctors, accountants, engineers and pilots are elevated to senior officer ranks, many police lawyers, even those with over a decade of experience and doctorate degrees, remain in lower ranks. Argungu recommended the promotion of four police officers currently teaching at the Police Academy in Wudil, Kano, who have acquired doctorate degrees.

Argungu called on the NBA to take action and ensure that lawyers in the police force are given the same rank and treatment as other professionals. He emphasized the need for the NBA to advocate for the rights of police lawyers and work towards establishing a more equitable system within the Nigeria Police Force.

Guest speaker Human rights lawyer and activist Ayo Obe criticized world powers for supporting Israeli attacks on Palestinians and condemned the police and lawyers for not bringing minors to court for treason. She urged the NBA to sustain efforts in combating gender-based violence and advancing fundamental human rights protection nationwide. Obe also critiqued the Lagos State e-filing platform, citing senior lawyers’ complaints about its manual nature, which she attributes to delays in hearing urgent matters, especially fundamental human rights matters”

In his speech, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, emphasized the need to safeguard human rights across Nigeria. He expressed concern over magistrates making remand orders without filed charges, leading to prolonged and unlawful detention. Osigwe called on Chief Judges to ensure magistrates and judges regularly visit detention facilities to decongest centers where individuals are held under inhumane conditions.

The NBA President highlighted the role of the NBA Human Rights Institute in addressing violations and urged branches to utilize this platform. He also advocated for stronger collaboration between security agencies and the NBA to address human rights abuses by security personnel.

Reaffirming the NBA’s commitment to promoting human rights and strengthening the rule of law, Mazi Afam Osigwe urged all stakeholders to work together in building a society that respects and upholds the dignity of every individual.

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