IGP Disu Assures CSOs of Non-Interference in Civil Matters, Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights

 

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has assured that the Nigeria Police Force will not interfere in civil matters, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights.

IGP Disu gave this assurance while receiving a delegation of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), led by prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, the IGP highlighted ongoing reforms within the police force. These include updated training manuals, improved welfare for officers, and strict directives prohibiting interference in civil disputes. He also pledged greater transparency and accountability, alongside efforts to strengthen the Complaint Response Unit and Monitoring Unit.

IGP Disu expressed confidence that effective policing is achievable and reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to accountability, transparency, and the protection of human rights in all its operations.

In his remarks, Falana congratulated the IGP on his appointment and commended his vision of policing as a mission rooted in human rights protection. He urged strict compliance with the Nigeria Police Act 2020, particularly provisions relating to notifying families upon arrest, ensuring suspects’ access to legal representation, and prohibiting arrests over civil disputes.

Falana further called for stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure officers respect constitutional rights and are held responsible for misconduct.

Responding, IGP Disu expressed appreciation for the engagement with civil society and reaffirmed his commitment to people-centered policing. He stressed that effective policing must address both major crimes and the everyday concerns of citizens.

The CSO delegation included representatives from various legal, human rights, governance, and security reform organizations, such as the Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Yiaga Africa, Transparency International Nigeria, and Partners West Africa Nigeria.Members of the delegations included  Mr. Adesina Oke, Esq. of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers (NADL); Barr. Okeke Chinwike of the African Law Foundation (AFRILAW); Mr. Barbara S. Magaji of Amnesty International; Mr. Anietie Ewang of Human Rights Watch (HRW); Mr. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa; Mr. Bathsheba Taglia of CISLAC/Transparency International Nigeria; Mrs. Kemi Okenyodo, Executive Director of Partners West Africa-Nigeria (PWAN); and Dr. Itia Otabor of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD).

I