Lagos Police Command misses opportunity to engage public during RULAAC town hall, organisers say
The one-day townhall convened by the Lagos State Stakeholders Forum on Police Accountability, was a missed opportunity for the Lagos police command to engage the public, says organisers of the event in a communique.
The town hall which held on March 12, addressed critical issues surrounding human rights, police accountability, and the criminal justice administration in Lagos State. It was attended by various stakeholders in the justice sector with the exception of the police.
According to the communique signed by Coordinator, Lagos State Stakeholders Forum on Police Accountability, Felicitas Aigbogun-Brai And Executive Director, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Com. Okechukwu Nwanguma, the absence of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command was a missed opportunity for engagement on public safety and policing.
Panel presentations highlighted progress and challenges in implementing the Lagos State Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL), with emphasis on enhancing human rights protections, effective police accountability mechanisms, and addressing non-compliance by security agencies.
The meeting also called for strengthening oversight bodies, community engagement, public awareness campaigns, technology utilization, and advocacy for policy reforms.
Stakeholders agreed on the need to pay a courtesy visit to the police commissioner to address concerns raised during the meeting.
A similar town hall was also held in Anambra on 19th March 2025 at Hilton Leisure Resort and Hotel, Awka, organized under the platform of the Anambra State Police Stakeholders Partnership Forum (PSPF) and facilitated by the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) with Support from International IDEA/RoLAC and Funded by the European Union.
Key presentations were made by various stakeholders, including Nwanguma (RULAAC) who emphasized the need for structured dialogues between police and civil society to ensure police accountability and empower citizens through knowledge.
Josephine Onah of RoLAC discussed ongoing reforms to enhance the criminal justice system in Anambra, stressing the introduction of restorative justice measures to address the high number of Awaiting Trial Persons (ATPs).
DCP Moses Gana who presented a paper on police responsibility for upholding citizens’ rights, outlining legal standards guiding police conduct in Anambra State.
Prof. Sylvia Ifemeje (Anambra State Attorney-General) provided insights on the Anambra State Homeland Security Law 2025, focusing on the functionalities and objectives of the newly established Agunechemba security outfit.
Dr. Law Mefor (Commissioner for Information, Anambra State) raised awareness about the ongoing measures to combat crime through new security frameworks and the community’s role in enhancing public safety.
