IGP, NBA president move to end police-lawyer clashes

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, have agreed to strengthen professional collaboration and communication to curb recurring clashes between lawyers and police officers and improve justice delivery.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday following the NBA President’s visit to the Force Headquarters, Abuja, where both institutions discussed ways to deepen cooperation within the justice system.

Badejo-Okusanya called for closer engagement between the Police and the Bar, including specialised training for lawyers and stronger interaction between Police lawyers and members of the wider legal profession.

She stressed that lawyers and police officers have complementary responsibilities in the justice system and urged both sides to end confrontations that could undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.

The NBA President also highlighted a UNICEF-supported initiative on children’s access to justice, proposing that a police lawyer be available at every police station to provide legal support to children who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.

Responding, Disu said the Police and legal profession must operate as partners in the pursuit of justice, noting that while lawyers protect citizens’ rights and the Police protect lives and property, both responsibilities ultimately converge in the justice system.

He called for greater professionalism in handling encounters between police officers and lawyers, particularly in the recording and dissemination of such incidents on social media.

The IGP also identified delays in criminal trials as an area requiring urgent collaboration, proposing a dedicated Nigeria Police Force/NBA communication mechanism to address professional concerns and resolve disputes before they escalate.

Disu acknowledged that disagreements may arise between both professions but insisted that such differences must be managed with civility, professionalism and mutual respect.

He assured the NBA leadership of his readiness to build a stronger partnership aimed at improving access to justice, protecting fundamental rights and strengthening Nigeria’s criminal justice system.