AWLA commends IGP Disu For Gender-Inclusive Leadership

The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Enugu State Branch, has paid a high-level courtesy visit to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to congratulate Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Hope Isiani on her recent elevation to her new rank and her strategic leadership of the SCID.

During the visit on Friday, the AWLA delegation, led by its State Coordinator, Bar Chidi Grace Obeke, used the occasion to express profound appreciation to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, for his visionary and gender-inclusive LEADERSHIP approach.

The AWLA specifically lauded the IGP for appointing a woman to the critical and highly sensitive position of Deputy Commissioner in charge of the State CID, noting that such appointments serve as a powerful catalyst for institutional progress and gender parity within the Nigerian Police Force.

Speaking during the engagement, Bar Obeke emphasised that the elevation of DCP Hope Isiani represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to integrate more women into strategic, operational, and investigative command positions.

She said, “We view the appointment of DCP Hope Isiani to the State CID not merely as a promotion, but as a strategic advancement in investigative policing.

“The State CID is a highly sensitive department; it requires a unique blend of investigative rigour, emotional intelligence, and empathy. By entrusting this pivotal office to a woman of DCP Isiani’s calibre, the Inspector General of Police has signalled that the Force is evolving.

“The development acknowledges that effective crime-fighting—especially concerning sensitive matters involving women, children, and families—requires the nuanced, victim-centred leadership that she brings to the table.”

The association further noted that the presence of women in key investigative command roles is vital for addressing the complexities of modern policing, particularly in handling cases involving vulnerable populations.

The Enugu Chapter of AWLA also expressed its readiness to deepen its partnership with the SCID under DCP Isiani’s leadership, with a focus on strengthening enforcement of protective statutes and ensuring a more robust, human rights-centred approach to justice.

Responding, DCP Hope Isiani thanked the association for its solidarity and reiterated the Command’s commitment to transparency, professionalism, and the protection of citizens’ rights.

She also acknowledged the critical role that advocacy groups like AWLA play in bridging the gap between the police and the community.

The visit concluded with a renewed pledge of cooperation between the Enugu State Chapter of AWLA and the State CID to foster a safer, more inclusive environment for all residents of the state.