Description
In some states, people are still held in police cells, some on bailable offences. And police cannot charge suspects held on serious offences to courts because the courts are not working. In states like Imo State where there are no functional hospitals, detainees in urgent need of medical attention can't access healthcare.
I recommend that the Inspector-General of Police orders state commissioners and Divisional Police officers to ensure urgent decongestion of cells.
Chief Magistrates, in fulfillment of their obligations under ACJA, should visit police cells within their jurisdictions to ensure the release of detainees and decongest the cells to prevent infection and spread of Covid-19.
State Attorneys General should also initiate steps for audit of Police cells and prisons to decongest them.
