State police: Ondo attorney-general outlines next steps, warns against abuse

By Boye Oyeyemi

Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Olukayode Ajulo (SAN), has described the passage of the State Police Bill by the state House of Assembly as a major step towards decentralising Nigeria’s policing system, while stressing that constitutional procedures must be completed before implementation.

Western Post had reported on Monday that lawmakers in the state approved the proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ajulo commended President Bola Tinubu, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the speaker and members of the Ondo State House of Assembly for supporting the proposed reform, which he said could strengthen security across the country.

He said the increasing cases of kidnapping, attacks on farming communities and other criminal activities underscored the need for a policing structure capable of responding more effectively to security challenges in individual states and communities.

However, Ajulo cautioned that the reform must be accompanied by strong legal safeguards to prevent abuse. He maintained that concerns about possible misuse of state police powers should encourage the establishment of accountability mechanisms rather than derail the initiative.

“State Police must be professionally managed, adequately funded and subject to robust oversight. It must uphold fundamental rights, operate within the rule of law and remain protected against political interference and personal vendettas,” he said.

The attorney-general explained that the state assembly’s approval was only one stage of the process, noting that a proposed constitutional amendment must receive the support of at least 24 of Nigeria’s 36 state assemblies before the remaining constitutional requirements can be fulfilled. He added that further national and state legislation would be needed to establish operational guidelines covering recruitment, funding, command structures, professional standards and independent oversight.

Ajulo said the success of state police would ultimately depend on the strength of the institutions established, public trust and their commitment to justice. He urged stakeholders to sustain the political will needed to complete the process and ensure that the proposed reform delivers lasting improvements in security.