Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, yesterday, warned Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) in the state against detaining suspects beyond 48 hours without bail or charge to court.

Gumel, who also reminded the DPOs that bailing of suspects is free, spoke during his visit to some police divisions within the Kano metropolis.

The CP noted that the police are entrusted to ensure protection of suspects’ fundamental human rights and avoid actions capable of jeopardising their wellbeing.

Gumel was accompanied by representatives from the Nigerian Correctional Service, the National Human Rights Commission, the judiciary, the Office of the State Attorney General, and civil society organisations.

He said the unscheduled visit to police formations was in line with the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS) launched last December.

He said: “All sectors of the society would want to see what the police are doing in terms of access to justice.

“There was a marching order by the Inspector General of Police for all Commissioners of Police to launch the PDSS to ensure fundamental human rights, access to justice, and free legal services.”

The CP added: “We are determined to make the practical aspect of the PDSS work. We have moved around several police stations within the metropolis. We saw the detainees and interacted with them.”

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