BY Abdulsalam Abdullah
Usaini Gumel, the Kano commissioner of police, says over 400 inmates in the central correctional centre in the Kurmawa area of the state have no case files.
Gumel spoke on Monday during the opening of the Law Week of the Kano state chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
The police commissioner said most detainees have been held for a lengthy period without bail or trial.
He said many of their case records and case diaries could not be traced while many of them lacked legal advice.
He said there is a paucity of legal professionals and support staff to offer pro bono services to numerous detainees.
“There is generally a lack of effective coordination among key stakeholders, especially correctional facilities and legal aid services, leading to gaps in service delivery and support,” Gumel said.
“There is a lack of basic facilities such as healthcare, routine hygiene, staff offices, and schools at the Remand Jome, Goron Dutse, Kano.
“Due to this, the state command 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 commissioner added that implementing the police duty solicitor scheme (PDSS) will uphold and protect human rights by providing free legal assistance to detainees.
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