By Victor Itodo Abuh
A HEATED and enlightening conversation unfolded in Abuja on Thursday as The Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative also called Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) hosted a thought-provoking media town hall meeting.
In a gathering that brought together media professionals, civil society activists, legal experts, and human rights advocates, the spotlight was on Nigeria’s Police Act 2020 and its critical implications for human rights. Held at the Grand Pela Hotel & Suites, the one-day event sought to spark deeper discussions around the application of the Act, particularly how it intersects with citizens’ rights and police practices.
Right from the start, PWAN’s Executive Director, Kemi Okenyodo, set the tone for the candid discourse, acknowledging the significant gaps in understanding and implementation of the Police Act.
“We are implementing a six-month project, which is rounding up in December, titled ‘Enhancing Police Governance, Deepening Understanding of the Police Act’, and the upcoming regulations across Nigeria,” Okenyodo shared, as she emphasised the media’s crucial role in ensuring the success of this initiative.
This rich conversation on police reform and human rights was further enhanced by Mr. Cliff Gai, program lead for the UK Integrated Security Fund, who underscored the media’s role in setting the agenda for public discourse on police accountability. He lamented the slow pace of progress since the signing of the Police Act 2020, emphasising that widespread public understanding is critical for the transformation of the Nigeria Police Force.
The town hall’s goal was clear: deepen public awareness and advocate for accountability in the enforcement of the Police Act.
Okenyodo further highlighted the media’s vital function in not only raising awareness but also fostering transparency and accountability in police operations. “The media plays a crucial role in the accountability and transparency ecosystem,” she remarked.
By engaging in public dialogues, facilitating phone-ins, and monitoring police activities, journalists are key stakeholders in advocating for a justice system that respects human rights.
As the conversation unfolded, it became evident that the Police Act 2020 was more than just a legal framework – it was a call for a paradigm shift in how the police engage with citizens and the media.
According to Okenyodo, the Act places a strong emphasis on transparency and public relations, encouraging the media to actively engage with police activities while also recognising the boundaries of sensitive information that could compromise investigations or public safety.
This rich conversation on police reform and human rights was further enhanced by Mr. Cliff Gai, program lead for the UK Integrated Security Fund, who underscored the media’s role in setting the agenda for public discourse on police accountability. He lamented the slow pace of progress since the signing of the Police Act 2020, emphasising that widespread public understanding is critical for the transformation of the Nigeria Police Force.
As the day progressed, participants delved deeper into the specifics of the Police Act 2020, with resource person Mr. Obiora Nwosu, offering a masterclass in breaking down complex legal provisions.
His engaging and interactive approach not only demystified the Act but also brought its relevance to life, highlighting key areas where human rights violations often occur and the role of the police in upholding those rights. Nwosu’s insights ensured that the participants left with a deeper, more practical understanding of the Police Act’s provisions and their real-world application.
This was not just a forum – it was the beginning of a necessary conversation that, if carried forward, could pave the way for a more accountable, rights-respecting police force in Nigeria.
The new Police Act, as explained by Nwosu during the forum, represents a significant departure from its predecessor. “The new Act is friendly,” he said, emphasising that it is guided by principles of transparency, accountability, equity, justice, fairness, and the protection of human rights.
The panellists agreed that for the Police Act 2020 to achieve its objectives, there must be sustained efforts by the media to educate the public and hold law enforcement agencies accountable. This includes creating awareness about citizens’ rights under the Act, monitoring police compliance, and advocating for systemic reforms. By doing so, the media can bridge the gap between the law and its implementation, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the Nigerian police force.
He highlighted key provisions, such as the right of suspects to refuse forced statements in the absence of legal representation, citing Section 1 of the Anti-Torture Act 2017, which prohibits any form of torture under any circumstances. Moreover, the Act mandates that suspects must be informed of the reasons for their arrest during or before their apprehension.
According to Nwosu, the overarching goal of the Police Act 2020 is to create a more effective and accountable police service that respects and upholds human rights.
This marked a sharp contrast to the previous Act, which lacked provisions such as a defined tenure for the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The absence of a secure tenure, he argued, contributed to a lack of long-term planning within the force.
“The introduction of tenure ensures stability for the IGP, giving them the confidence to implement aggressive policy decisions without fear of sudden removal,” Nwosu explained. He further noted that the Act includes specific procedures for the removal of an IGP, reducing the likelihood of arbitrary dismissals.
Nwosu called on the media to play an active role in raising awareness on the Act, advocating for its effective implementation, and fostering dialogue to ensure its success.
A panel discussion during the town hall meeting delved into how the media can mainstream the Police Act in its reporting, particularly on issues such as arrests, stop-and-search operations, and profiling.
Moderated by Mr. Diego Okenyodo, CEO of Akweya TV, the panel featured Mr. Iduh Onah, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of National Record; Mrs. Justina Asishana, Niger State correspondent for The Nation; and Comrade Idris Miliki, founder of Concerns for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution. The panellists offered insights into current challenges and proposed strategies for more effective reporting.
Mr Iduh pointed out that sensationalism often overshadows thorough reportage. “Most Nigerian readers prefer scandalous or sensational news,” he remarked, explaining that this preference sometimes leads journalists to overlook critical details, such as whether police procedures were followed during arrests. Using celebrity cases as an example, he criticised the tendency to focus on personalities rather than interrogating the legality of police actions. “The media’s role is to go beyond surface-level reports and hold the police accountable for their processes,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Justina highlighted the difficulties journalists face when accessing information from the police. “Most of the time, information is limited to press statements or suspect parades. Even when journalists seek additional context, it’s rarely provided,” she lamented.
She explained that this lack of transparency, coupled with public mistrust of law enforcement, hampers investigative reporting. “Advocacy around the Police Act is crucial to bridging the gap between the police and the public. It will empower citizens to respond appropriately when their rights are violated.”
Comrade Miliki underscored the importance of in-depth knowledge and follow-up in journalism. “Breaking news is often inconclusive. Many journalists fail to revisit stories after the initial report, leaving critical issues unresolved,” he noted. He challenged journalists to prioritise fact-based reporting and to explore feature stories that provide comprehensive analyses of issues related to police reform.
The panellists agreed that for the Police Act 2020 to achieve its objectives, there must be sustained efforts by the media to educate the public and hold law enforcement agencies accountable. This includes creating awareness about citizens’ rights under the Act, monitoring police compliance, and advocating for systemic reforms. By doing so, the media can bridge the gap between the law and its implementation, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the Nigerian police force.
