Centre trains police duty solicitors for quick dispensation of justice

The Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) has trained about 50 police duty solicitors across five states including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to aid quick dispensation of justice in police stations.

The Chief Executive Officer, PPDC, Mr Jubril Shittu, disclosed this during the “Access to Justice Police Duty Solicitors Scheme” (PDSS) training on Thursday in Abuja.

Shittu, represented by Mr Kenechukwu Agwu, Senior Programme Manager, PPDC, listed the states to include Adamawa, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna, and the FCT.

“And we have 10 young lawyers in each of the states, the crop of the lawyers includes lawyers, who are still undergoing their National Youth service programme and those who have had one or two years experiences at the bar.”

He said the training was designed to equip the duty solicitors with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in their vital roles.

According to him, PDSS is a scheme where the centre uses young lawyers and corps members stationed at the police stations to provide justice to Nigerians.

He said the essence of the initiative was to provide free legal representation and assistance to indigent suspects and reduce the number of detainees at the police stations.

“Indeed, this gathering is a step in the right direction as we become essential contributors to our justice system, where our expertise, commitment, and professionalism will play a vital role in upholding the rights and freedom of many Nigerians.

“PPDC is committed to catalysing societal transformation towards enhanced governance transparency, accountability, and active citizen’s participation.

“Our Access to Justice programme tackles pressing issues and fosters evidence-based solutions, promoting a more just and equitable society.

“Through targeted strategic initiatives, we are committed to enhancing the operational capabilities of these institutions, making justice delivery more efficient and equitable,” he said.

Shittu, therefore, urged the duty solicitors to have compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice, saying “every individual you represent is entitled to fair treatment.

“It is your duty to advocate for their rights with diligence and empathy. You stand at the forefront of legal representation, often encountering people at some of the most challenging moments in their lives.

“Whether it’s in the early hours of the morning in a police station or during a critical court appearance, your role is pivotal in ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done,” he added.

The chief executive, while appreciating the participants thanked the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State, for the support which enabled PPDC to start off the
PPDC’s PDSS Scheme.

Similarly, Mr Bamidele Ibikunle, Technical Assistant to the Director-General, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, encouraged the participants to be passionate about their duties and always sensitise their clients to their rights.

Speaking on the topic “PDSS in Nigeria: The role of PDSS in protecting detainees”, Ibikunle said that the major challenge Nigerians had was ignorance of their rights.

“As a duty solicitor you’re expected to provide legal aid and assistance to indigents suspects within the first 48 hours of arrest at the police station.

“Ensure that due processes of law are undertaken in the course of investigation, and also ensure that all facilities needed by the suspect for his/her defence are available.

“And also ensure that you reduce the duration of pre-trial detention at the police station among others,” he explained.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was organised by the Public and Private Development Centre as of one of its interventions towards enhancing the justice system in the country.(NAN