INTRODUCTION
Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens’, Rights Commission, (PDCRC) was established on the 3rd of June, 2019. It is a creation of the Law (Kogi State Office of the Public Defender and Citizens Rights Commission Law, 2018).
It is a body corporate with perpetual succession, it has power to sue and be sued in its corporate name. It is an agency of Kogi State Government with the mandate to render free legal aid and other related services, including legal representation in criminal and civil cases to the indigent and vulnerable residents of the State.
It is also saddled at the State level, with the responsibility of ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights and the implementation of the Kogi State Violence Against Persons (VAPP) Law of 2022.
DEPARTMENTS OF THE COMMISSION
The Commission is made up of the following Departments:
- Office of the Director General
- Criminal Litigations
- Civil Litigations
- Alternative Dispute Resolutions/Mediations
- Administration account, and finance
JURISDICTION
The Commission has jurisdiction within Kogi State and in all courts. Matters reported to the Commission from other States are referred to the appropriate Agency in the relevant state.
PERSONS ENTITLED TO THE SERVICES OF THE COMMISSION
The services of the commission are for indigent residents of the state. These categories of persons include: the poor, oppressed, physical challenged pensioners, children, widowers etc. that cannot afford the services of legal practitioners.
JURISDICTION
The Commission has jurisdiction within Kogi State and in all courts. Matters reported to the Commission from other States are referred to the appropriate Agency in the relevant state.