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 deepen collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the legal profession to reduce friction and strengthen justice delivery in Nigeria.
The agreement was reached on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, when the NBA President and members of the Association’s National Executive Committee paid a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Badejo-Okusanya stressed the need for closer cooperation between lawyers and the Police, particularly through specialised training for lawyers and stronger engagement between Police lawyers and members of the wider Bar.
She called for an end to recurring confrontations between lawyers and Police officers, noting that both professions have complementary roles in the administration of justice and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The NBA President also highlighted a UNICEF-supported initiative focused on children’s access to justice. Under the proposal, the Association is seeking the presence of a Police lawyer at every Police station to provide appropriate legal support to children who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
Responding, IGP Disu congratulated Badejo-Okusanya on her emergence as NBA President and described the meeting as an opportunity to establish a stronger and more structured relationship between the Police and the legal profession.
The IGP emphasised the importance of mutual respect and professionalism, noting that while lawyers are primarily concerned with protecting citizens’ rights and the Police are responsible for protecting lives and property, the responsibilities of both institutions ultimately converge in the administration of justice.
Disu also called for greater professionalism in the recording and dissemination of encounters involving Police officers, urging that personnel should not be subjected to ridicule or have the difficult circumstances surrounding their duties trivialised for social media entertainment.
According to him, Police officers operate under challenging conditions while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and property, making responsible public communication essential.
The IGP identified improved professional engagement, reduction of delays in criminal trials and the establishment of a dedicated NPF/NBA communication mechanism as key areas for sustained cooperation.
He said such a mechanism would provide a structured platform for addressing professional concerns, improving coordination and resolving disagreements before they escalate into unnecessary confrontations.
Disu reaffirmed that the Police and the legal profession are partners in the pursuit of justice, acknowledging that differences may arise in the course of their respective duties but stressing that such disagreements must be handled with civility, professionalism and mutual respect.
He expressed his readiness to work with the new NBA leadership to build a stronger partnership capable of improving access to justice, protecting fundamental rights and strengthening public confidence in the criminal justice system.
The Nigeria Police Force, through the engagement, reaffirmed its commitment to working with the NBA and other justice-sector stakeholders to promote professionalism, protect fundamental rights and build a more effective, responsive and trusted justice system.
