Overview of Equal Justice Initiative Monitoring Visits (June-July 2026)
Overview of Equal Justice Initiative Monitoring Visits (June-July 2026)
Between June and July 2026, Equal Justice Initiative (Nigeria) participated in a series of detention monitoring visits across police divisions and other detention facilities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) interviewing 50 detainees and observing approximately 100 migrants.
This exercise was conducted alongside the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Citizens' Gavel, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), Legend Golden Care Foundation and FCT Magistrates, these visits formed part of ongoing efforts to promote accountability, safeguard the rights of persons in custody and strengthen compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).
June: Bwari and Ushafa Police Divisions
On Thursday, 25th June 2026, the Equal Justice Initiative EJI carried out a monitoring exercise at Bwari Police Division and Ushafa Police Division, led by Her Worship, Nonye Okonkwo, recording a total of 22 detainees across both divisions.
The monitoring team set out by 9:AM in a number of seven to visit the Bwari Police Division first where they were all received by the police officers who demonstrated full cooperation throughout the monitoring exercise. Through precise handling and guidance by her worship leader Nonye Okonkwo, 16 detainees were interviewed. Of which, six had been charged to court, six released on bail, and three were still under investigation.
After successfully monitoring the cases at Bwari the team also visited Ushafa Police Division, Her Worship successfully oversaw six cases. Three detainees were released on bail, one case was reopened and is currently under investigation, one suspect had been charged to court and through the intervention of the EJI, one matter was resolved through a settlement with the complainant. Overall a successful monitoring exercise and a big win for the EJI in the month of June.
July: Bwari and Ushafa Police Divisions
During the month of July, the monitoring committee once again embarked on a follow-up visit to Bwari and Ushafa Police Division on Wednesday, 8th August 2026. The exercise was led by Her Worship, Nonye Okonkwo, who identified a total of 17 detainees across both divisions.
At Bwari Police Division, 6 detainees were interviewed. Of which, 3 are currently under investigation, 1 has been charged to court, 1 suspect was successfully released on bail, and 1 remains in custody pursuant to a remand order.
The team then proceeded to Ushafa Police Division, where a total of 11 cases were reviewed. 4 suspects have been charged to court, 6 cases are currently under investigation and 1 suspect released on bail.
Overall, both Bwari and Ushafa Police Divisions remain in fair condition, with officers providing full cooperation throughout the exercise. In total, 17 cases were reviewed by the EJI monitoring team under the leadership of Her Worship, Nonye Okonkwo.
July: Karu and Nyanya Police Divisions
On Monday, 20 July 2026, at…time… the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) conducted another monitoring exercise at Karu Police Division and Nyanya Police Division in collaboration with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Citizens' Gavel, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Nyanya Branch, and Legend Golden Care Foundation. The exercise was led by Her Worship, Haruna A. Haruna.
At Nyanya Police Division, 11 detainees were interviewed. Of these, five were released on bail, four were charged to court and two cases were reopened and are currently under investigation.
At Karu Police Division, one detainee was interviewed, and the case remains under investigation.
Overall, the team interviewed a total of 12 detainees during the monitoring exercise led by Her Worship, Haruna A. Haruna. While officers at both police divisions cooperated fully with the monitoring team, it was observed that the detention facilities at Nyanya Police Division require significant improvement, as they were found to be in poor condition. In contrast, the detention facilities at Karu Police Division were generally found to be in fair condition.
July: Migrant Holding Centre (NIS) Abuja, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) Headquarters Abuja and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) FCT Command
On Thursday 23rd July the Equal Justice Initiative set out on a multi-agency monitoring visit in collaboration with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), Citizens' Gavel, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI) and three FCT Magistrates, Her Worship Fatima Malo Nadoma, His Worship Muhammed Tahir, and His Worship Abdulmajid Oniyangi.
Nigerian Immigration Service Migrant Holding Centre, Airport Road, Abuja
At the Nigerian Immigration Service Migrant Holding Centre, The team observed approximately 100 migrants, including women, being held at the facility. Although Interviews with the detainees indicated that they were adequately fed and generally treated well, the management highlighted persistent challenges relating to overcrowding, detainee identification, profiling and cooperation from foreign embassies.
National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Headquarters Wuse Abuja
Two persons were found in lawful custody pending investigation. The detention facility was observed to be clean, orderly and humane, with running water and adequate ventilation, reflecting good detention standards.
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal capital Territory (FCT) Command
Five persons were found in lawful custody pending investigation. During the visit, the Magistrates engaged officers on compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, particularly the legal requirements governing remand proceedings. The detention facility, however, was noted to be small and in need of improvement.
July: Maitama Police Division
The monitoring visit to Maitama Police Division was conducted in collaboration with the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), the Nigerian Bar Association (Karu Branch) and the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI), under the leadership of His Worship Abubakar Jega.
The team interviewed two detainees, at the police division both of whom were found to be in lawful custody pending investigation.
The station was observed to be clean, orderly and well maintained, with professional and cooperative officers who readily engaged with the monitoring team throughout the exercise reflecting positive institutional practices and demonstrated the importance of professionalism, transparency and compliance with due process within police detention facilities.
Looking Ahead
These monitoring visits continue to reinforce the importance of independent oversight within Nigeria's criminal justice system. Beyond documenting detention conditions, the visits provide opportunities to identify unlawful detention, encourage compliance with due process, promote humane treatment of detainees and strengthen collaboration among justice sector stakeholders.
The Equal Justice Initiative remains committed to advancing accountability, protecting fundamental rights and supporting a criminal justice system that is fair, transparent and compliant with the law.