Usaini Gumel, the Commissioner of Police in Kano State, issued a warning on Tuesday to Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) across the state against detaining suspects for more than 48 hours without bail or charging them to court. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Gumel gave this warning during a visit to some police divisions within Kano metropolis.
Mr Gumel stated that detaining suspects beyond 24 hours before taking them to court for prosecution amounted to a violation of their rights, as they are still presumed innocent until found guilty by a competent court. He also reminded the DPOs that granting bail to suspects is free.
The Commissioner of Police urged the DPOs to always ensure the fundamental human rights of suspects at all times and avoid actions that could jeopardise their welfare and well-being. He was accompanied on his visit by representatives from the Correctional Centre, the National Human Rights Commission, the judiciary, the Office of the State Attorney General, and some Civil Society Organisations.
Mr Gumel explained that the unscheduled visit to police formations was in line with the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS) launched in December 2023. He said, “All sectors of the society would want to see what the Police are doing in terms of access to justice."
During the visits, he emphasised to the DPOs that bail is free as long as the suspect fulfils all the bail conditions. He also informed them that detainees are not supposed to stay more than 48 hours in the cell without bail or being charged to court. This initiative by the Kano State Police Commissioner underscores the commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the fundamental human rights of suspects.