400 Detainees Held in Kano Custodial Centre, Reveals Police Commissioner

• Commissioner of Police Usaini Gumel reveals challenges in Kano’s custodial system, including lack of case files and delayed legal processes
• Gumel expresses concern over inadequate legal representation for detainees and highlights efforts to address deficiencies in correctional facilities

The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Mr. Usaini Gumel, disclosed that approximately 400 detainees are currently held in the Central Custodial Centre, Kurmawa, Kano. This revelation came during Law Week, organized by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Kano State branch, under the theme “Turning Point.”

Addressing attendees on Monday in Kano, Gumel underscored several challenges plaguing the custodial system, including the absence of case files for many detainees, unavailability of court case records, lack of Case Diary, delayed legal advice issuance, and protracted criminal trials without bail.

Furthermore, he shed light on the dearth of legal professionals and support personnel to provide pro bono legal services to the significant number of detained individuals and members of the police force.

Gumel lamented the lack of effective coordination among key stakeholders, particularly correctional facilities and legal aid services, resulting in service delivery gaps and inadequate support.

Expressing apprehension over the plight of detainees without legal representation, the commissioner emphasized the potential implications for their rights within the criminal justice framework.

Highlighting deficiencies in essential facilities such as healthcare, hygiene, staff offices, and educational amenities at the Remand Home in Goron Dutse, Kano, Gumel outlined the State Command’s efforts to address these issues.

He revealed the establishment of a Steering Committee composed of criminal justice professionals tasked with implementing innovative provisions outlined in the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme Document. This committee has engaged in productive dialogues with stakeholders and visited correctional facilities to gather valuable insights.

Gumel reiterated the police command’s commitment to promoting and safeguarding human rights through initiatives like the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS). The PDSS endeavours to provide detainees free legal aid and protect their rights throughout the criminal justice proceedings.