RE-VISITING POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY IN NIGERIA: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN LAW AND PRACTICE

Abstract

This paper critically examined the persistence of police brutality in Nigeria in spite of judicial and statutory measures in place. It focused on the impact and consequences of police accountability, with particular reference to the violation of human rights, torture, and extrajudicial killings, and also the implications of extracting confessional statement of a defendant, under duress, as against the required standard. This paper equally examined the legal architecture, institutional challenges, and socio-political factors that hamper compliance with the role of oversight duties of the police services commission, which is also required for capacity building and reforms. This paper adopted a doctrinal approach. The study found that activities of the Nigerian Police associated with Police brutalities are unlawful detention, extortion, excessive use of force, noncompliance with Force Order 237, Corruption, investigation, and extrajudicial killings. This work recommended that police authorities should always organize workshops, particularly for the Junior Officers, with other sister agencies in conjunction with the National Human Rights Commission and other International Bodies, such as the UNODC, FEDA, Red Cross Societies, Ministry of Justice and NAPTIP, and during which the officers shall be trained on global related issues of fundamental human rights, of citizens in Nigeria. Bridging the gap between law and practice will restore public confidence in the police.