Femi Falana SAN Pushes For Legal Aid Desks In All Police Stations Nationwide
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called for urgent reforms to ensure legal aid for detained citizens.
Falana Engages AGF on Legal Aid Access
Falana revealed plans to collaborate with the Attorney General of the Federation. The goal is to establish legal aid desks in all Nigerian police stations. These desks will provide immediate legal support for poor detainees before they appear in court.
Legal Aid Begins at Police Stations
Speaking in Kano at a prosecutor training workshop, Falana said many Nigerians suffer in custody without legal help. “The law requires police to notify families when someone is detained,” he stressed. He added that suspects have the right to legal representation during police interrogation.
Poor Nigerians Deserve Equal Access to Justice
Falana emphasized the gap between rich and poor detainees. “The rich can hire lawyers. The poor rely on God or government help,” he said. He urged Nigerians to take advantage of legal provisions instead of suffering in silence.
Commends Kano State for Criminal Justice Reforms
Falana praised Kano for adopting the Administration of Criminal Justice Act in 2019. He noted that Kano was the first state to end police-led criminal prosecutions. “Only legal practitioners now prosecute criminal cases in Kano,” he noted.
Calls for Expansion of Public Defender Offices
He urged the Kano State government to establish Public Defender Offices in all 44 local governments. These offices would assign lawyers to poor residents, mirroring the Legal Aid Council’s work at the federal level.
Workshop Aims to Equip Prosecutors
Event organizer Sadiq Sabo Kurawa explained that the workshop aimed to boost prosecutors’ knowledge and performance. Legal experts like Auwalu Yadudu, AB Mahamoud, and Attahiru Jega also trained participants on key justice reforms.
Final Thoughts
Falana’s initiative highlights the need for urgent legal reforms. With political will, Nigeria can improve detainee rights and promote equal justice for all.
Share your thoughts in the comments: Should legal aid desks become mandatory in all police stations?
