By Aminu Garko, Kano
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Mr. Usaini Gumel, has revealed that over 400 detainees are languishing in the Central Correctional Centre, Kurmawa, Kano, due to various reasons.
These reasons include missing or untraced court case records, absence of Case Diary, non-issuance of legal advice, and filing of charge at the High Court, as well as prolonged criminal trials without granting bail to defendants.
Gumel disclosed this during the Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kano State branch, with the theme “Turning Point.”on Monday in Kano.
Gumel also highlighted the shortage of legal professionals and support staff to provide pro bono legal services to the large number of arrested and/or detained individuals and members of the Force.
He noted that there is a lack of effective coordination among key stakeholders, especially correctional facilities and legal aid services, leading to gaps in service delivery and support.
The commissioner expressed concern about the vulnerability of detainees without legal representation and the potential impact on their rights within the criminal justice system.
He also revealed that there is a lack of basic facilities such as healthcare, routine hygiene, staff offices, and schools at the Remand Home, Goron Dutse, Kano.
Gumel said that the State Police Command has launched a Steering Committee to facilitate the implementation of the innovative provisions contained in the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme Document.
The committee, comprising criminal justice professionals, has visited correctional facilities and held constructive discussions with stakeholders to obtain useful information on the way forward.
The police command in the state is committed to the promotion and protection of human rights through the launch of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS), which aims to provide free legal assistance to detainees and ensure that their rights are upheld and protected throughout the criminal justice processes.