….NBA Proposes Police Lawyer In Every Station For Children
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, have resolved to deepen collaboration between the Police and the legal profession to improve justice delivery and public safety.
Both leaders reached the agreement on Monday during a courtesy visit by the NBA President and members of the Association’s National Executive Committee to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Badejo-Okusanya said there was need for closer synergy through specialised training for lawyers and better engagement between Police lawyers and members of the Bar. She also called for an end to recurring confrontations between lawyers and Police officers, noting that both professions have complementary roles in the justice system.
She further disclosed a UNICEF-supported initiative under which the NBA is proposing the posting of a Police lawyer to every station to provide legal support to children who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
Responding, IGP Disu congratulated the NBA President and stressed that respect for every profession must remain fundamental. He urged lawyers and the media to exercise professionalism in recording and reporting Police encounters, saying officers should not be subjected to ridicule on social media while discharging their duties.
The IGP said the Force and NBA would set up a dedicated communication mechanism to address professional concerns, reduce delays in criminal trials and prevent issues from escalating into confrontations.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Police to working with the NBA and other justice-sector stakeholders to protect rights and build a more responsive criminal justice system.
