The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has received high praise from the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC) for his leadership in strengthening Nigeria’s criminal justice system. The commendation came during a courtesy visit by the ACJMC delegation to the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja, on Wednesday, June 26, 2025.
Led by Mrs. Evbu Igbinedion, Esq., Executive Secretary of the ACJMC, the delegation included key figures in the justice and human rights sectors, notably Mr. Aliyu Abubakar, Director-General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, and representatives from the National Human Rights Commission. The visit served as a platform to commend the Nigeria Police Force under IGP Egbetokun’s leadership for implementing proactive reforms that have accelerated justice delivery and promoted human rights across the country.
In her remarks, Mrs. Igbinedion noted that the Police remain the most vital entry point into the criminal justice system, highlighting their crucial role in law enforcement and public trust. She acknowledged ongoing operational challenges but praised the Police Force’s commitment to reform, accountability, and inter-agency cooperation.
The committee also advocated for the resuscitation of the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) — a crucial initiative rooted in Force Order 20 and supported by Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The PDSS ensures that individuals arrested or accused of crimes are provided with legal counsel from the point of arrest, thereby strengthening the right to fair trial and protection against abuse.
Responding, IGP Egbetokun expressed gratitude for the committee’s support and reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to constitutional policing, human rights, and justice delivery. He emphasized that the current administration maintains zero tolerance for misconduct, and reiterated ongoing efforts to train and reorient officers in alignment with human rights standards and ethical policing.
The IGP also welcomed deeper collaboration with the ACJMC and other justice sector stakeholders to drive meaningful reform, improve investigative practices, and ensure justice is both swift and fair for all Nigerians. He concluded by reiterating his commitment to building a citizen-centered, professionally competent police service that serves as a pillar for public safety, justice, and the rule of law.