CISLAC petitions police commission over court contempt, others in Yobe
By Tada Jutha, Damaturu
The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Rafsanjani, has petitioned the Police Service Commission (POSM) over an alleged court contempt by the Potiskum Area Commandant and Commissioner of Police in Yobe State.
According to the Centre, the evasion of Potiskum Magistrate Court has led to misconduct and breach of court proceedings, including contempt.
The petition signed by Rafsanjani and made available to journalists in Damaturu yesterday stated that “this petition emanates from an incident on October 29, 2024, when armed officers from the Potiskum Area Command allegedly invaded the Chief Magistrate Court.”
He said the police officers disrupted the court proceedings of the Chief Magistrate (name withheld), thereby inducing fears among the court officials, lawyers, and other litigants present at the court premise.
Additionally, the Executive Secretary said that the armed policemen forcefully removed two convicted criminals from the Chief Magistrate.
“Abdulahi Aji Bulama and Mr. Kabir (A.T.O.) were whisked away by the policemen,” he said, stating that this was despite the lawful court order for their detention in prison.
According to the petition, the policemen have breached the Nigerian Police Code of Conduct and disregarded both national and international legal standards.
CISLAC also claimed that the actions of the officers not only disregarded court proceedings, but the policemen violated the Police Act, which mandated officers to uphold the integrity and respect for the rule of law and other judicial proceedings in a court of law.
“The armed officer’s interference in the judicial process undermines public trust in the police,” said the petition, adding that it also jeopardises citizens’ commitment to democratic values with equity and fairness.
Rafsanjani, therefore, called for a thorough investigation and disciplinary action taken in accordance with the Police Act, including training on legal and ethical compliance for police officers.
“This will prevent them from perpetrating misconducts in the future,” he said.
Additionally, CISLAC recommends mandatory training on legal and ethical compliance for police officers to prevent future misconducts.
