August Police Monitoring: EJI Raises Concern Over Prolonged Detention and Rising Sexual Offence Cases
August Police Monitoring: EJI Raises Concern Over Prolonged Detention and Rising Sexual Offence Cases
Monitoring visits to police detention facilities across the Federal Capital Territory in August 2026 have raised fresh concerns over suspects being held beyond the statutory period without valid remand orders, limited access to legal representation and an increase in allegations of sexual offences involving minors.
The monitoring exercise was conducted by the Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee (ACJMC), alongside Equal Justice Initiative (EJI),Citizens' Gavel, the Asabe Waziri Justice Advocacy Initiative (AWJAI) and representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association.
The visits formed part of ongoing efforts to promote compliance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 and ensure that persons arrested and detained by the police are afforded their rights under the law.
Lugbe Visit Could Not Hold
On Friday, 14 August 2026, the monitoring team visited the Lugbe Police Division. However, the exercise could not proceed because the Magistrate required for the visit was unavailable.
Karu: Magistrate Orders Release and Calls for Lawful Detention
On Monday, 24 August, the team visited the Karu Police Division under the leadership of His Worship, Haruna A. Haruna.
Two detainees were found in custody over allegations relating to receiving stolen property. Both had reportedly been arrested on 21 August and had remained in custody beyond the statutory period.
The police explained that investigations were ongoing and that the matter had been transferred from the Area Command to the station.
The monitoring team subsequently proceeded to the Karu Area Command to establish the status of the investigation.
The team at the Nyanya/ Karu Police Area Command with the 2ic Area Command.
Following a review of the cases, the Magistrate directed that one suspect be released unconditionally on bail once his account had been verified. In relation to the second suspect, the police were directed to either charge him before the court or obtain a valid remand order if further detention was required.
The Magistrate also admonished investigating officers on the importance of following the lawful remand process, stressing that suspects should not be kept in detention indefinitely simply because investigations are ongoing.
The Karu Police Division was also observed to be undergoing painting and minor renovation works, giving the station an improved external appearance. However, the detention cells still require further attention.
Nyanya: Six Suspects Found in Custody
The team also visited the Nyanya Police Division on 24 August, where six suspects were found in detention over allegations including criminal breach of trust, theft and armed robbery.
Three of the six suspects had been detained beyond the statutory 48-hour period.
The Magistrate admitted three suspects to bail, with conditions tailored to the circumstances of two of the cases. In respect of the third suspect, the Magistrate directed that the person either be released on bail on the next working day or brought before the court.
The remaining three suspects were ordered to be arraigned before the court immediately.
Like Karu, the Nyanya Police Division had undergone some external painting and minor renovation. However, the condition of the detention cells remained an area requiring attention.
Bwari: Cases Involving Minors Raise Concern
On Monday, 31 August, the monitoring team, led by Her Worship, Nonye Okonkwo, visited the Bwari Police Division.
Four detainees were reviewed.
Mr M, aged 24, had been arrested on 26 August over an allegation of abduction and rape involving a 17-year-old. The police indicated that the case was to be transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) and subsequently taken to court.
A, arrested on 28 August, was also being held over an allegation involving a minor. The police indicated that the matter was to be transferred to the State CID.
In both cases, the Magistrate noted concerns regarding continued detention beyond the lawful period and the need for a valid remand order where further detention was required.
A third detainee, Mr E, aged 26, had been arrested on 29 August over an allegation of rape involving a 15-year-old and was expected to be transferred to the State CID.
The fourth detainee, KC, aged 30, was arrested on 30 August. Following a review of his case, the Magistrate directed that he be released on bail, noting that the circumstances appeared to relate to a breach of contract rather than a criminal breach of trust.
Ushafa: Six Detainees Reviewed
At the Ushafa Police Division, six detainees were reviewed.
EfeAdi, aged 26, was arrested on 27 August over an allegation of theft. The Magistrate directed that the suspect be charged to court immediately.
Ham, aged 23, was arrested on 29 August over an allegation of theft. He was directed to be charged to court or released on bail.
Vico, aged 25, arrested on 26 August over allegations involving theft and armed robbery, was directed to be charged to court.
Muma, aged 25, had reportedly been in custody for approximately one week over an allegation of theft. The Magistrate directed that he be charged to court the following morning.
Abuq, aged 20, was arrested on 31 August over an allegation of rape of a minor and alleged impregnation of the complainant. The monitoring team was informed that the parents of the alleged victim had not been forthcoming in pursuing the complaint.
The Magistrate directed that the suspect be kept for 48 hours and released if the complainant did not come forward thereafter.
Ucwyi, aged 32, was arrested on 30 August over an allegation of theft and was also directed to be charged to court.
Legal Representation Remains a Concern
Beyond the individual cases, the monitoring exercise revealed a significant gap in access to legal representation.
Only one suspect encountered during the visits had access to a legal representative. The other detainees had no legal representation and, based on the information available to the monitoring team, had not been adequately informed by the police of their legal options before the monitoring visits.
For EJI, access to legal assistance is an important safeguard in protecting suspects from unlawful detention and ensuring that they understand the allegations against them, their rights and the available avenues for defence.
Rising Concerns Over Prolonged Detention and Sexual Offences
The August visits revealed an increase in the number of persons found in detention beyond the statutory period without valid remand orders.
While investigations may require additional time, continued detention must be supported by due process and the appropriate legal authority. The recurring reliance on ongoing investigations as a basis for prolonged detention underscores the need for investigating officers to understand and utilise the lawful remand procedure where further detention is necessary.
The monitoring team also observed a concerning number of allegations involving sexual offences, particularly cases affecting minors.
These cases reinforce the urgent need for families, communities, institutions and justice sector actors to intensify efforts to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence. The protection of children must remain a collective responsibility, supported by timely investigations, appropriate safeguards and effective access to justice.
EJI Commends Judicial Guidance
The Equal Justice Initiative commends the Magistrates who took time during the monitoring visits to guide investigating officers on the requirements of lawful detention and the importance of obtaining remand orders where necessary.
The Magistrates also used the visits as an opportunity to explain relevant legal protections, including provisions relating to children, while reminding suspects of their rights and available legal options.
Such engagement is important in strengthening understanding of the law among law enforcement officers and ensuring that detention does not become a substitute for due process.
The Road Ahead
The August monitoring exercise demonstrates the continued importance of independent monitoring of police detention facilities.
For EJI and its partners, the objective is not simply to count persons in custody. It is to ensure that every person detained is treated within the boundaries of the law and that cases move through the justice system without unnecessary delay.
Where investigations are complete, suspects should be charged. Where there is insufficient basis for continued detention, suspects should be released. Where further detention is legally necessary, the appropriate remand process must be followed.
Equal Justice Initiative remains committed to working with the police, Magistrates, lawyers, civil society organisations and other justice sector stakeholders to promote lawful detention, access to legal representation, fair hearing and respect for the rights of suspects.
The criminal justice system must protect society from crime while equally protecting individuals from arbitrary detention and violations of due process. Justice requires both.
NB: Suspects real names have been altered to protect their privacy and fundamental rights to presumption of innocence duly guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution