The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, in conjunction with the Legal Aid Council with support from the RoLAC 2 program and Duty Solicitors Network (DSN); on January 31, 2024 inaugurated the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme Advisory Committee in Lagos State.
The State Coordinator Legal Aid Council Mrs. Iyabo Akingbade while giving the overview of PDSS; said the scheme is an intervention conceptualized to protect the rights of Suspects and Detainees through the provision of early legal advice and representation at the Police Stations.
This intervention is expected to decongest courts and correctional Facilities. The scheme has the effect of improving the image of the Police, improve the effectiveness of legal aid service delivery and encourages the respect for human rights.
Mrs. Akingbade said that the PDSS Advisory Committee’s Mandates are to: review, advice and resolve any issue affecting the effective implementation of the scheme in the State; Compile annual report to be submitted to the IGP; engage in advocacy and training for both the Police and the Duty Solicitors; and prepare regulations to guide it’s operational activities. She said though members of the Committee renders free service, they should see their duties as a service to the nation and to humanity and therefore be committed.
The CP; Mr. Adegoke Fayoade while inaugurating the Committee pledged his continued support and promised that the police will continue to respect and protect the rights of all citizens in accordance with the law and due process.
The Chief Judge of Lagos State was represented by the Deputy Chief Registrar, Admin who delivered his lordship’s goodwill message and commended the CP Lagos for formalizing PDSS within the State.
The State Coordinator of the National Human Rights Commission also commended the CP for inaugurating the Committee and promised to continue in their resolve to protect the rights of all citizens.
NBA Lagos and Ikorodu Branches also took turns to commend the CP on the epoch making event.
The State Program Director of the RoLAC 2 program; Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa promised that RoLAC 2 will continue to support the committee for better access to justice and justice delivery in the State.
The Advisory Committee Members comprises of:
- The CP as Chairman
- O/C Legal – PDSS Liaison Officer
- LACON State Coordinator – Co – Chair
- REPLACE – Secretary
- NHRC – Member
- NOA – Member
- NYSC – Member
- AG – Member
- CJ – Member
- OSJI – Member
- NBA – Member (Bayo Akinlade, Bamigho Elijah and Esther Jimoh).
The Committee will no doubt improve respect for the rights of Suspects and Detainees like other Citizen, as well as improve access to justice and justice delivery in Lagos State.
