Order magistrates to inspect police stations monthly – Falana writes Lagos CJ
- Admin
- Dec 17, 2017
- 2 min read
Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), has written to the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Opeyemi Oke, to designate Chief Magistrates to conduct monthly inspection of all police stations and other detention centres in the state.
Falana, in his letter dated December 15, 2017, urged the Chief Judge to grant his request in order to prevent the illegal detention of Nigerians and foreigners living in Lagos State.
He reminded the Chief Judge that his request was based on the provisions of Section 34 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.
The letter which is titled: ‘Request for monthly inspection of all police stations and detention centres in Lagos State,’ reads, “Pursuant to Section 34 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act Act, 2015, we hereby request Your Ladyship to designate Chief Magistrates to conduct monthly inspection of all police stations and other detention centres in Lagos State in order to prevent the illegal detention of Nigerian citizens and foreigners living in Lagos State.
“During the said monthly inspection, the said designated Chief Magistates are required to call for and inspect the records of all arrests made by the Police and other law enforcement agencies, direct the arraignment of criminal suspects and grant bail to detained persons in deserving cases.
“It is hoped that Your Ladyship will not hesitate to grant our humble request in view of the urgent need to compel the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to respect the fundamental right of every person to liberty and dignity guaranteed by sections 34 and 35 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.
“As we wish Your Ladyship a happy Christmas, please accept the assurances of our highest regards.”
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