PWAN Empowers Ogun Citizens to Lead Police Reform Awareness
In a landmark move to strengthen Police accountability and public awareness, Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), a prominent NGO, hosted a one-day town hall meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The gathering united Community Leaders, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Media Practitioners, Youths, Women, and Persons living with disabilities to explore the Police Act 2020 and its implications for citizens’ rights.
The forum aimed to educate stakeholders on the provisions of the Act, which seeks to modernize policing in Nigeria, promote transparency, and ensure law enforcement respects the rights of all citizens.
Speaking at the event, PWAN Executive Director Kemi Okenyodo—represented by Programme Assistant Oreoluwa Fatuyi—underscored the importance of public awareness in driving reform. “You cannot exercise a right you don’t know about. Citizens must understand their rights under the Police Act to hold law enforcement accountable,” Fatuyi said.
She added that the implementation of the Act requires active participation from both citizens and police officers. “The guidelines were created to drive police reform. Both citizens and officers have a role to play. Without awareness and adherence, meaningful reform cannot happen,” she emphasized.
Barrister Tosin Osasona, a legal resource person at the meeting, highlighted key provisions of the Police Act, including the prohibition of arbitrary arrests, humane treatment of suspects, and the promotion of community policing. He noted that many citizens remain unaware of these protections, making initiatives like this town hall essential for fostering accountability.
PWAN officials revealed that the organisation is collaborating with both junior and senior police officers to ensure the provisions of the Act are properly understood and effectively implemented across the State.
The event reflects a growing trend in Nigeria, where civil society and local communities are increasingly engaging with Government institutions to demand transparency and reforms in law enforcement.
By fostering dialogue between citizens and the Police, PWAN aims to bridge the knowledge gap that often hinders effective policing and civil liberties, positioning informed communities as a cornerstone of sustainable Police Reform.
