On the 16th day of September 2020, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria communicated his assent to the Nigeria Police Bill 2020 (now the Nigeria Police Act 2020).
The Act repeals the Police Act CAP P19 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and it generally provides guiding principles to ensure accountability, transparency, and the overall protection of fundamental human rights. The new Act also provides for a substantive funding mechanism for the Police Force in line with what is obtainable in other government parastatals.
This Article attempts to highlight the major changes in the Nigeria Police (Establishment) Act 2020 as well as an analysis of the duties of the Inspector-General of Police in view of the recent nationwide protests for the disbandment of theSpecial Anti-Robbery Squad (“SARS”).
