Kano launches police duty solicitor scheme to strengthen justice system

The Kano State Government has commenced the implementation of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) aimed at strengthening criminal justice administration and improving access to legal representation for suspects.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru-Maude, made this known during the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme On-Boarding Session held in Kano.

This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Attorney-General, Dr Abubakar Tijjani-Ibrahim.

According to the statement, the onboarding session was organised by the Kano State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Kabiru-Maude described the initiative as a landmark reform that would strengthen the administration of criminal justice and improve access to justice for residents of the state.

He said that although the scheme was conceived by the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACON), its implementation by the ACJMC in Kano reflected the committee’s commitment to translating justice reforms into practical outcomes.

The Commissioner said the scheme will provide suspects with early access to legal representation at police stations, safeguard their constitutional rights, reduce unnecessary detention and help decongest custodial facilities.

He added that the initiative would also facilitate timely referrals for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, promote compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Law and strengthen collaboration among justice sector institutions.

“The scheme will promote a more efficient, transparent and accountable justice system in Kano State,” he said.

Kabiru-Maude reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Justice to supporting reforms and strategic partnerships that promote access to justice, uphold the rule of law and strengthen public confidence in the justice system.

The statement added that the event attracted stakeholders from across the justice sector, including the Commissioner of Police and representative of the Chief Judge of Kano State.

Others were officials of the Ministry of Justice, representatives of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, the Nigerian Bar Association, development partners, civil society organisations and the 10 Police Duty Solicitors selected for the pilot phase of the programme.