By Ojoma Yusuf, Yola
The Adamawa State Police Command in collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association NBA Yola branch has inaugurated the Adamawa State Police Duty Solicitor Scheme Advisory Committee to uphold the human rights of suspects and detainees.
The committee was inaugurated with support from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance ( I-IDEA) under the European Union funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme .
Inauguration and the Training of PDSS Lawyer was held on the 22 of May 2024 in the state capital Yola,Adamawa State.
Delivering opening remark for the inauguration Bar.Kowoabo Takoni representing the Vice Chairman NBA Yola Branch/Chairman Human Right Committee welcomed everyone to PDSS inauguration as she appluad RoLAC II for innitiating the PDSS advisory committee in Yola.
Speaking at the inauguration, Bar. Hafsat Abdullahi the Adamwa State Coordinator for Anti Corruption RoLACII while giving an overview of the PDSS objectives and functions elaborated that every single human has a right to free legal assistance, right to fundamental hearing and should be treated with dignity until proven guilty beyond any reasonable dough.
She noted that the police and solicitors are to work hand in hand and never to see each other as enemies.
“As it is the duty of a Solicitor to maintain an open conversation with the police and to also contribute earnestly to the public security”, she said.
The Chief Judge of Adamawa State Hon Justice Hafsat Adulrahaman noted that PDSS is a welcoming idea and the inauguration is timely.
Represented, by the register high court of Justice Bar. Helen Samuel called on the newly inaugurated solicitors to always seek for help if needed as her office is widely opened to PDSS at all times.
According to her, the vulnerable and marginalized persons in the society can now access free legal aid without payment.
The Adamawa State Commissioner of Police (CP), Morris Dankombo represented by the ACP Bar. Nkem E. Raphael after inaugurating the PDSS Advisory Committee congratulated the Solicitors as he noted that Nigeria Police is ready and set to work with the solicitors.
He also stated that PDSS will aid the police in discharging their duty effectively as the job of his officers will be made easy.
