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Enugu State police Commissioner holds Working Group on transparent justice system; says proxy arrest unlawful
BY: Ikenna Oluka
- Suleiman Balarabe hosts Working Group on Promoting Accountability and Transparency in the Administration of Criminal Justice
- Says ACJA and ACJL meant to remove delays in administration of justice
- Recommends the upgrading of facilities at detention centers in the country
The Commissioner of Police Enugu State Command Suleiman Balarabe says proxy arrest is unlawful as there is no provision in the nation’s laws that permits the arrest someone in place of another.
According to him, everyone who has committed a crime is expected to answer for his or her own actions.
CP Balarabe said that the practice of proxy arrest had been stopped in Enugu State since he assumed duties.
The CP was speaking today during an advocacy visit to him by Enugu State Working Group on the project Promoting Accountability and Transparency in the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria, a project by CLEEN Foundation with support from MacArthur Foundation.
CP Suleiman Balarabe explained that in line with the provisions of Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and Enugu State Administration of Criminal Justice law 2017, once the conditions of bail are met, a man or woman is allowed to take a person or an accused on bail, emphasizing that gender is not a condition for allowing people to take accused persons on bail.
He said that ACJA and ACJL are meant to remove delays in administration of justice, noting that the Police is doing its best to ensure the implementation of the Act and law.
He said that the police focus on criminal cases and does not venture into civil cases.
Speaking on provisions of Section 35 of Enugu State ACJL, the Commissioner of Police Suleiman Balarabe said that Magistrates were free to visit police stations, as there was nothing to hide and because such a visit would be in the interest of the society at large.
On the challenges in the implementation of ACJA and Enugu State ACJL, CP Balarabe said that those controlling the resources should look at those things hindering investigation and prosecution of cases and allocate adequate resources to them.
He called for provision of equipment such as wireless or solar powered CCTV, so that the country could move to digital way of administering justice.
The Police Commissioner also said that there is witness protection in some advanced countries so as not to endanger them after giving witness, as he said that some people shy away from appearing as witnesses in court so as not to endanger their lives.
He recommended the upgrading of facilities at detention centers in the country.
Earlier, the Executive Director Women Information Network (WINET), Mrs. Miriam Menkiti who led working group members on the visit stated that the working group was set up to monitor and follow up the implementation ACJA and Enugu State ACJL.by key stakeholders.
She said the project Promoting Accountability and Transparency in the Criminal Justice in Nigeria seeks to use technology through digitalization of court judgements in Nigeria to promote accountability and transparency in the fight against corruption.
Mrs. Menkiti said that Women Information Network (WINET) and African Law Foundation (AFRILAW) are implementing the project in Enugu State with support from CLEEN Foundation and MacArthur Foundation.
Other members of the working group on the visit are representatives of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Enugu State, Prisoners Welfare Rehabilitation (PRAWA), National Youth Service Corps, AFRILAW, WINET and some media organizations.
News
Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative
More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.
The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.
Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.
Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:
“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”
Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.
The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.
Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”
The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”
The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.
This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.
News
Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas
… Calls for Love and Peaceful Coexistence
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has extended warm greetings to the Nigerian military and all citizens, both Christians and non-Christians, during this joyous Christmas season.
In his message, he emphasized the importance of embodying the spirit of love and peaceful coexistence, urging all Nigerians to reflect on these values not only during the festive period but throughout the year.
“This season serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring principles of peace, unity, love, and sacrifice that bind us as a nation,” he stated.
The Minister encouraged every Nigerian, regardless of their religious beliefs, to celebrate and honor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who tirelessly demonstrate their patriotism in safeguarding the safety and sovereignty of our beloved country.
Highlighting the significance of the yuletide season, he noted that it should reinforce our bonds of unity, foster a spirit of camaraderie, and inspire compassion towards one another. He called on all citizens to remain steadfast in their collective efforts to build a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
In conclusion, the Minister wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Henshaw Ogubike, MNIPR, FCAI, FSCA, FCPE
Director of Information, Press and Public Relations
…Says no government has shown so much support to LGs, State Governments like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu….
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR will significantly enhance the economies of Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole.
Matawalle who is currently on a five-day visit to his home state, the Minister and former Governor of Zamfara commended President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for Local Government Councils and state governments. “No previous administration has demonstrated such a strong commitment to developing local councils and states as President Tinubu,” Matawalle remarked.
He highlighted the President’s role as a grassroots mobilizer, emphasizing his passion for local development. “President Tinubu has allocated substantial funds to states and local government councils, enabling them to undertake impactful development projects,” he added.
Matawalle urged party supporters to collaborate with their leaders to reclaim the lost mandate from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State. “It is essential for all APC members to remain law-abiding citizens,” he stated, reinforcing the party’s commitment to uphold the law.
Addressing a large gathering of supporters who welcomed him, Matawalle reassured them of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the region. “With the federal government’s initiatives to address security challenges, we will soon experience a renewed sense of safety and peace,” he emphasized.
He concluded his address by urging the community to continue supporting the government at all levels. “Together, we can restore peace and order in our country,” Matawalle affirmed.
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