Inauguration of the Lagos State PDSS Advisory Committee

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police in conjunction with the
Legal Aid Council and RoLAC 2 program support, on the 31st January, 2024 inaugurated the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme Advisory Committee in Lagos State. The State Coordinator Legal Aid Council Mrs. Iyabo Akingbade while giving the overview of PDSS said PDSS is an intervention conceptualized to protect the rights of Suspects and Detainees through the provision of early legal advice and representation to Suspects and Detainees leading to decongestion of the Correctional Facilities, to improve the image of the Police, improve the effectiveness of legal aid service delivery, improve respect for human rights and help the federal government fulfil it’s international obligations of protecting the rights of it’s citizens. She said the PDSS Advisory Committee’s Mandates are to: review, advice and resolve any issue affecting the effective implementation of the scheme in the State; Compile annual report to be submitted to the IGP; engage in advocacy and training for both the Police and the Duty Solicitors; and prepare regulations to guide it’s operational activities. She said though members of the Committee renders free service, they should see their duties as a service to the nation and to humanity and therefore be committed.

The CP Adegoke Fayoade while inaugurating the Committee pledged his continue support, and promised that the police shall continue to respect and protect the rights of all citizens in accordance with the law and due process.

The Chief Judge of Lagos State delivery his good will message through the Deputy Registrar, and the State Coordinator of National Human Rights Commission respectively commended the CP for inaugurating the Committee and promised to continue in their resolve to protect the rights of all citizens.

NBA Lagos and Ikorodu Branches also took turn to commend the CP on the epoch making event, and look forward to improved respect for rights and justice.

The State Program Director of RoLAC 2 program Mrs. Ajibola Ijimakinwa promised RoLAC 2 continued support for access to justice and justice delivery in the State.

The Advisory Committee Members comprises of
The CP – Chairman
O/C Legal – PDSS Liaison Officer
LACON State Coordinator – Co – Chair
REPLACE – Secretary
NHRC – Member
NOA – Member
NYSC – Member
AG – Member
CJ – Member
OSJI – Member
NBA – Member (Bayo Akinlade, Bamigho Elijah and Esther Jimoh).

The Committee will no doubt improve respect for the rights of Suspects and Detainees like other Citizen, as well as prove access to justice and justice delivery in Lagos State.