On 11 May 2025, five individuals walked into the Anglo-Jos Police Station to report what they described as a case of misappropriation of funds. The complainants were convinced that a criminal offence had occurred and insisted the police take immediate action.
As the discussion intensified and tensions rose among the parties, the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) invited the PWAN duty solicitor present at the station under the Police Duty Solicitor Scheme (PDSS) to assist in reviewing the complaint and calming the situation.
After listening carefully to both sides, the duty solicitor and the IPO jointly examined the facts of the dispute. It became clear that the matter stemmed from a financial disagreement between the parties rather than conduct that constituted a criminal offence. Together, they explained the distinction between civil and criminal matters and encouraged the parties to consider resolving the issue through dialogue instead of pursuing criminal action.
Being a civil matter, the parties eventually agreed on a way forward. A written undertaking was prepared and signed, outlining how the repayment would be made. Mr. Adam’s David, who was central to the complaint, expressed relief and appreciation for the intervention that helped resolve the matter without further escalation.
The case illustrates how the presence of a duty solicitor at the police station strengthens decision-making at the point of complaint. Working alongside the police to clarify the nature of disputes, the PDSS helps ensure that civil disagreements are not drawn unnecessarily into the criminal justice system, allowing officers to focus on genuine criminal matters while still guiding citizens toward practical and fair solutions.
