This report details the monthly visits conducted by learned Magistrates to Police Stations in Anambra State, following a directive from the Honorable Chief Judge, Hon. Justice O. M. Anyachebelu, FICMC, FCArb.

Here are the key points from the visits:

Participants: The visits were led by learned Magistrates accompanied in some areas by Lawyers from the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme, and various branches of the NBA.

1. Chief Magistrate L.S.E. Uzuodu:
– Visit Date: September 18, 2024.
– Location: Area Command Headquarters, Nnewi.
– Findings: The facility was well-maintained, with a clean cell. Two suspects were in the cell , they were arrested for stealing and assault. The Chief Magistrate recommended they be granted bail or charged the following day.

2. Chief Magistrate Nnaemeka Nnacheta:
– Visit Location: Ajalli Police Station.
– Findings: Received warmly by the DPO. Six suspects (five males, one female) were found, detained for three to five days. He ordered their bail or court appearance the next day. The male cell was untidy, and the female cell was in worse condition.

3. Senior Magistrate Iwuno Mike:
– Visit Location: Divisional Police Station, Ukpo.
– Findings: No suspects were found in the cell, and the facility was reported to be very clean.

4 Senior Magistrate I.C. Agbanu:
– Visit Location: Anambra East Divisional Police Station, Otuocha.
– Findings: The learned Magistrate was warmly received. She noted ten suspects detained for conspiracy/stealing and assault. She admitted two suspects to bail and ordered that the remaining eight be charged to court immediately.

5. Senior Magistrate M.U. Enendu:
– Visit Location: Divisional Police Station, Nteje.
– Accompanied By: I.B. Onyekachi, State Chairman of the Police Duty Solicitors Scheme (PDSS).
– Findings: During the inspection, three inmates were found in custody: one on the Chief Magistrate’s orders, one already arraigned for court the following day, and one under ongoing investigation. The learned Magistrate advised that all three be charged to court immediately.

6.Senior Magistrate I.E. Onunkwo:
– Visit Location: Ekwulobia Police Station.
– Findings: The learned Magistrate was warmly received by the DPO, DCO, and other officers, with a PDSS counsel present. She found five suspects in the cell. Three were charged with rape and admitted to the offense; they were to be charged to court the next day. The other two had been granted police bail, with their relatives on the way to finalize it. The facility was well maintained, and the officers exhibited professionalism.

Overall, the visits aimed to ensure proper treatment of suspects and adherence to legal procedures, with Magistrates actively engaging in decision-making regarding bail and court appearances

Recommendations
– Immediate attention should be given to improving the cleanliness and conditions of both male and female detention cells to ensure humane treatment of all detainees.
– Regular audits and inspections of police facilities should be implemented to ensure compliance with legal and human rights standards.
– Continued collaboration with the PDSS and legal practitioners to expedite the processing of bail and charges for suspects.

These findings contribute to the broader objective of enhancing the Justice system in Anambra State, ensuring that all individuals in custody are treated with dignity and respect.

Signed
V I Udedike Esq.
DCR Inspectorate
Anambra State Judiciary.