Detention without a court order is fast becoming a thing of the past in Ikorodu as police officers across the area now strictly adhere to proper procedures, following renewed collaboration with members of the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS).
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The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikorodu Branch, Ms. Olawunmi Adeola, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on activities lined up for the branch’s 2025 Law Week themed “Through the Bar: Inspiring Change, Embracing Growth.”
Ms. Adeola noted that the PDSS, working in tandem with Court Duty Solicitors, has significantly reduced the number of suspects detained unlawfully in police stations across Ikorodu through the provision of timely legal assistance by members of the Bar.
Speaking alongside the Vice Chairman of the branch, Mr. Olajide Abiodun, she emphasized that although guidelines for arrest are not explicitly detailed in Nigerian law, police officers continue to arrest individuals for “wandering” — a charge often used to justify detention.
“But once we visit any station, they are released to us. Wandering is not an offence. How do you explain wandering? That is why the police charge them for breach of public peace instead,” Abiodun explained.
Ms. Adeola further warned that parents who attempt to interfere with the prosecution of suspects in defilement cases after a formal complaint has been made to the police would themselves be committing an offence.
“Once a case is reported, it is immediately transferred to Panti for thorough investigation and prosecution,” she said.
Highlighting activities scheduled for the 2025 Law Week, the NBA Ikorodu Chairman said the Human Rights Session, which would hold at Bukka Hut, Ayangburen Road, would feature prominent human rights advocates, including Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), Mr. Olakunle Edun (SAN), and Mr. Aigboho Martins.
Activities marking the Law Week commenced last Friday with a Juma’at Service held at Companion Islamic Centre, Ishawo, followed on Saturday by a Free Legal Clinic for indigent residents at the Bar Centre, and a Variety Night and Cocktail Party at De-Kings Hotel, Itoikin Road, Ikorodu.
A Church Service was held on Sunday at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Itamaga, Ikorodu.
On Monday, NBA Ikorodu members held a Human Rights Awareness Walk at the Ikorodu High Court, which was followed by a Human Rights Seminar at Bukka Hut.
The Law Week will continue on Tuesday with the Late Babatunde Olusola Benson (BOB) Annual Lecture at Peak Stone Events Centre, Lagos Road, Ikorodu. According to Ms. Adeola, the lecture will focus on Local Government Autonomy based on the Supreme Court judgment delivered last year, exploring whether it remains a “myth or reality.”
A Law Reform Symposium will follow on Wednesday, April 30, at Exclusives Events Centre, Ireshe Road, Ikorodu, and the grand finale, the Annual Bar Dinner, will hold later that evening at Peachstone Events Centre, Lagos Road.
Ms. Adeola described this year’s Law Week as a landmark event aimed at reinforcing the Bar’s role in defending human rights, inspiring societal change, and advancing legal reforms in Nigeria.
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