The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, on Tuesday received the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, and members of the NBA National Executive Committee on a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Both institutions agreed on the need for stronger professional collaboration, improved communication, and greater mutual respect in advancing justice and public safety.
Speaking during the visit, the NBA President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, emphasised the need for closer synergy between the Police and the legal profession.
She called for specialised training for lawyers, better engagement between Police lawyers and members of the wider Bar, and an end to recurring clashes between lawyers and Police officers.
Badejo-Okusanya noted that both professions have complementary responsibilities in the justice system and that the NBA has a duty to remain responsive to the needs of its members nationwide.
Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, also highlighted a UNICEF-supported initiative on children’s access to justice. Under the proposal, a Police lawyer would be stationed at every Police station to provide legal support to children in contact with the juvenile justice system, ensuring that vulnerable children are adequately protected.
In his response, the IGP congratulated the NBA President on her emergence and described the engagement as an opportunity to build a stronger, more structured relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the legal profession.
He stressed that respect for every individual, office and profession must remain fundamental. “While lawyers are concerned with protecting citizens’ rights and the Police with protecting lives and property, our responsibilities converge in the administration of justice,” he said.
The IGP also called for greater professionalism in the recording and dissemination of encounters involving Police officers. He cautioned against subjecting personnel to ridicule or trivializing the demanding circumstances of their duties for social media entertainment.
To strengthen institutional cooperation, the IGP identified three key areas: improved professional engagement, measures to reduce delays in criminal trials, and the establishment of a dedicated NPF/NBA mechanism for seamless communication. He noted that such a mechanism would provide a structured channel for addressing concerns and resolving issues before they escalate.
The IGP reaffirmed that the Police and the Bar are partners in justice. While disagreements may arise, he said they must be managed professionally and with civility. He expressed readiness to work with the new NBA leadership toward a more productive partnership.
IGP Disu, NBA President Agree To End Police-Lawyer Frictions
