The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, have agreed to strengthen collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and the legal profession in a bid to end recurring frictions between police officers and lawyers.
The decision was reached on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, when the newly elected NBA National President and members of her team paid a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said 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, Badejo-Okusanya called 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 strengthen the 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 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.
She said the proposal underscored the importance of ensuring that vulnerable children receive adequate support and protection throughout the justice process.
Responding, IGP Disu congratulated Badejo-Okusanya on her emergence as NBA President, describing the meeting as an opportunity to build a stronger and more structured relationship between the Police 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 principally 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 personnel to ridicule or trivialising the demanding circumstances of their duties for social media entertainment, particularly when officers operate under challenging conditions in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
As part of efforts to strengthen institutional cooperation, the IGP identified improved professional engagement, measures to reduce delays in criminal trials and the establishment of a dedicated NPF/NBA mechanism for seamless and open 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.
The IGP reaffirmed that the Police and the legal profession are 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 managed professionally, respectfully and with civility, while expressing his readiness to work with the new NBA leadership towards a stronger and more productive partnership.
The Force said it remained 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, responsive and trusted criminal justice system.
