AIG CHARGES POLAC GRADUATING CADETS TO RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS, RULE OF LAW

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone One Headquarters, Kano, Ahmed Garba, has charged graduating cadets of the Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC), Wudil, Kano, to make respect for human rights and the rule of law the foundation of their policing careers.

Garba gave the charge on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, while delivering a mentorship lecture titled, “Police Duties, Professional Studies, Rule of Law and Respect for Human Rights” to the graduating cadets.

He reminded the cadets of their responsibilities under Section 4 of the Police Act, 2020, stressing that such duties must be performed “without fear, favour, affection or ill-will”.

The AIG described professionalism as a combination of discipline, integrity and competence, with zero tolerance for corruption.

Garba said the police remained the gateway to the criminal justice system, warning that any failure by the police could negatively affect the entire justice system.

He cautioned the cadets against using arrest as a form of punishment, stressing that detention must comply with the provisions of the law.

“Never arrest to punish. Detention must not exceed 24 hours or 48 hours where a court is not within 40 kilometres. An unlawful order is unlawful; you will be personally liable,” he said.

The AIG described respect for human rights as central to democratic policing and urged the cadets to reject torture, extra-judicial killings and degrading treatment of suspects.

He also warned that confessions obtained through torture were inadmissible and could undermine criminal cases.

“The uniform does not give you power over citizens; it imposes higher responsibility. Social media is recording,” Garba said.

The Commandant of the Nigeria Police Academy, AIG Auwal Muhammed Musa, thanked the Zone One AIG for the lecture, describing it as timely and impactful.

Musa said the lecture would serve as a guide to the cadets as they graduate and join the mainstream of the Nigeria Police Force.