The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has petitioned the Police Service Commission (PSC), condemning the actions of its officers and calling for immediate accountability.
The Chief Magistrate Court in Potiskum, Yobe State, was the scene of an alarming incident on October 29, 2024, when armed police officers stormed the courtroom, disrupting proceedings and forcibly removing two convicted individuals in open defiance of a lawful court order.
This act, described by many as a blatant assault on Nigeria’s justice system, has sparked widespread outrage.
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, recounted the chaotic scene that left court officials, lawyers, and litigants in shock and fear. “The courtroom is a sacred space for justice, not a battleground,” Rafsanjani said.
The petition reveals that the officers’ actions were not an isolated event. CISLAC alleges a troubling pattern of disregard for court orders by the Potiskum Area Command, including their failure to comply with multiple summons and arrest warrants. This repeated defiance, the group argues, undermines not only the judiciary but also public trust in the police force.
“For a democracy to thrive, its institutions must work in harmony. What happened in Potiskum threatens the very foundation of that harmony,” Rafsanjani added, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms.
CISLAC has urged the Police Service Commission to publicly condemn the officers’ actions, conduct a thorough investigation, and enforce disciplinary measures under the Police Act. Beyond punitive actions, the organization advocates for mandatory training on legal and ethical compliance for all police personnel to prevent similar occurrences.
“This isn’t just about one courtroom or two individuals,” Rafsanjani stressed. “It’s about the principles of justice, fairness, and accountability that every Nigerian deserves.”
As the nation awaits the Commission’s response, the call for justice in Potiskum echoes a larger demand for a police force that serves the law, respects the courts, and protects the people.
