A non-governmental organization, Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), recently organized a media town hall meeting in Kano to educate journalists on human rights, the Police Act 2020, and its implications for police-citizen interactions.
The meeting, attended by journalists from several northern states and civil society organizations, aimed to strengthen understanding of the new law and its impact on police-citizen relations.
PWAN Program Officer, Hajiya Aisha Yusuf, emphasized the importance of the media in fostering responsible and rights-based reporting on sensitive issues like arrests, stop-and-search, and profiling.
“By understanding the Police Act 2020 and its innovations, journalists can play a crucial role in promoting accountability and transparency within the police force,” she said.
Barrier Sani Ammani, a legal expert, highlighted key objectives of the Police Act, including responsiveness, equity, justice, and fairness. He emphasized the police’s duty to protect lives and property and to respect the dignity of all citizens.
Hajiya Maryam Rabi’u, a media expert, underscored the role of journalists in conducting investigative reporting, raising public awareness, and facilitating dialogue between the police and the community.
She encouraged journalists to monitor the implementation of the Act and report on both positive and negative experiences.
Hajiya Maryam Umar, Special Assistant to Kano State Governor on Community Policing, shared insights into the state’s efforts to strengthen community-police relations. She highlighted the importance of citizen reporting in reducing crime rates.
The participants expressed gratitude to PWAN for organizing the workshop, stating that it would significantly enhance their understanding of the Police Act 2020 and improve their reporting.
