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 collaboration between the police and the legal profession to improve justice delivery and public safety.
The two institutions reached the agreement when the NBA President and members of the Association’s National Executive Committee paid a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Speaking during the visit, Badejo-Okusanya stressed the need for closer synergy between the police and the legal profession, particularly through specialised training for lawyers and improved engagement between police lawyers and members of the wider Bar.
She said the NBA had a responsibility to remain responsive to the needs of its members across the country, while advocating an end to recurring clashes between lawyers and police officers.
According to her, both professions have complementary responsibilities within the justice system and should work together to promote effective administration of justice.
The NBA President also highlighted a UNICEF-supported initiative on children’s access to justice, under which the Association is proposing the deployment of a police lawyer at every police station to provide appropriate legal support to children who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
She said the proposal was aimed at ensuring that vulnerable children receive adequate legal support and protection throughout the justice process.
Responding, Disu congratulated Badejo-Okusanya on her emergence as NBA President, describing the engagement as an opportunity to build a stronger and more structured relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the legal profession.
The IGP stressed that respect for every individual, office and profession must remain fundamental to professional interactions.
He noted that while lawyers are primarily concerned with protecting citizens’ rights and the police with protecting lives and property, the responsibilities of both institutions ultimately converge in the administration of justice.
Disu also called for greater professionalism and responsibility in the recording and dissemination of encounters involving police officers.
He cautioned against subjecting police personnel to ridicule or trivialising the challenging circumstances under which they perform their constitutional responsibilities, particularly for social media entertainment.
The IGP identified improved professional engagement, measures to reduce delays in criminal trials and the establishment of a dedicated NPF/NBA mechanism for seamless communication as key areas requiring sustained collaboration.
He said such a mechanism would provide a structured channel for addressing professional concerns, improving coordination and resolving issues before they escalate into unnecessary confrontations.
Disu reaffirmed that the police and legal profession remain partners in the pursuit of justice, acknowledging that disagreements may arise in the course of their respective duties.
He, however, stressed that such differences must be handled professionally, respectfully and with civility, while expressing his readiness to work with the new NBA leadership towards a stronger and more productive partnership.
The Nigeria Police Force, he added, remains committed to strengthening collaboration with the NBA and other justice-sector stakeholders to protect fundamental rights, improve access to justice, promote professionalism and build a more effective and trusted criminal justice system.
