Police Duty Solicitor Scheme Inaugurated in Awka

March 2, 2024

The essence of the program was to bring justice to the less privileged. The Hon. commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye speaks on Police collaboration with PDSS and legal aid council of Nigeria (Lacon) to uphold human right and accelerate hearing in criminal justice system. He also thanked the volunteed members of the Nigeria Bar Association comprising eight branches namely; Awka, Onitsha, Anaocha, Otuocha, Nnewi, Ihiala, Idemili and Aguata branches of NBA.

The members of the PDSS is being inaugurated to collect data, administer free legal aid and serves as advisory committee.

It was established by section 4 of the force order No. 20 as amended. It shall meet periodically (every three months) with the commissioner of Police to receive information and advice on any outstanding issues. It shall also complies annual report to the inspector General of Police. It shall engage in advocacy, training the activities for both Police, duty solicitor. They are to make policy to guide activities of the PDSS.

The CP acknowledged that the police is ready to accept advice and collaborate with Lacon, PDSS, Rolac in achieving a better society and to uphold the dignity of man.

Anambra NUJ Chairman, Emeka Odogwu PhD was represented by Dr. Ifeanyi Obiefuna at the event.

His Worship Mike Anyadiegwu, PhD was invited as a statutory member of the advisory committee.

Barr. Isreal Bernard Onyeka who is the head of PDSS moderated the event and spoke on access to Justice to make Police more efficient in criminal justice system.

Barr. Ugochukwu Okoye represented the Chairman Nigeria Bar Association and promised to put forward the issues raised in their forth coming meeting for deliberation.

The CJ and the Attorney General of Anambra State was also present in the event and called for synergy among the police and the PDSS.

The event was funded by the European Union, Lacon and Rolac.

MEMBERS OF PDSS STATE ADVERSARY COMMITTEE

1) The Honourable Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Police Command = Chairman of the Committee

2) My Lord the Honourable Chief Judge of Anambra State = Member

3) The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Anambra State = Member

4) The State Cordinator National Human Right Commission = Member

5) The State Chairman Nigerian Union of Jurnalist Anambra State Chapter = Member

6) Dr. Mike Anyadiegwu = Member

7) The State Director National Orientation Agency = Member

8) The State Chairman Civil Society Coalition = Member

9) The Chairman of Chairmen of 8 Branches of Nigerian Bar Association, Anambra State = Member

10) The State Coordinator NYSC = Member

11) The Officer in charge legals department CIID Police Fore Headquarters Anambra

State Command = Member

12) The State Chairman PDSS, Anambra State Chapter = Member

13) The State Coordinator Victorian Clarion Foundation Anambra State= Member

14) The State Co-ordinator, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria = Secretary

15) The State Chairman NUJ

The advisory Committee is established by section 4 of the Force No. 20 as amended.

1. The Advisory Committee shall meet periodically (every three months) with the Commissioner of Police and the DC Legal Aid Council or its supervisor in the States to receive, advise and resolve any outstanding issues affecting the effective implementation of the Scheme. |

2. The services of the Advisory Committee shall be on a pro-bono basis

3. The Advisory Committee shall be replicated at state levels.

4. The Advisory Committee shall compile annual reports to be submitted to the Inspector General of Police

_ 5. The Advisory Committee shall engage in advocacy and training activities for both the Police Duty Solicitors and the Police Force

6. The Advisory Committee shall prepare regulations to guide its operational

activities