It Is Right Of Suspects To Contact Their Family-Chief Magistrate

Chief Magistrate B. Vic-Jumbo Esq
has revealed that it is the right of suspects to contact their family that they are being detained at the Police Station.
Chief Magistrate Vic-Jumbo made the disclosure in her monthly visit to Nkpolu Divisional Police headquarters, Mile 3 Diobu on Thursday, 23,December,2021 while interviewing detained suspects.
The Chief Magistrate who said her visit is in adherence to the law also urged the Police to ensure suspects are not detained beyond 24-48hours without court order or arraigning the suspects in court as stipulated as enshrined in the law.
She said the essence of the exercise is to ensure the rights of the suspects are not abused, such as detention beyond provisions in the constitution.
The Chief Magistrate checked files to verify number of persons arrested within the last two months, numbers of suspects arraigned in court, their duration at the Police cell before their release or arraignment in court, some charge sheets.
Chief Magistrate Jumbo also inspected the cells where she asked the suspects their offences, the number of days they have stayed, if they were allowed to contact their family and if they have eaten.
Chief Magistrate Vic-Jumbo however commended the Nkpolu Divisional Police headquarters for their cooperation and improvement on adherence to the law .
As at the time of the visit only three suspects were detained at Nkpolu Police Division, Mile 3 Diobu.

Our correspondent reports that Jane O.A James Esq and another member  of Human Rights Committee of Nigeria Bar Association,Port Harcourt branch   were also in attendance.