The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, have agreed to deepen professional collaboration and address recurring friction between lawyers and Police officers in order to strengthen justice delivery and public safety.
The agreement was reached on Tuesday, 8th September 2026, when the NBA President and members of the Association’s National Executive Committee paid a courtesy visit to the IGP at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, the NBA President called for closer synergy between the Nigeria Police Force and the legal profession, particularly through specialised training for lawyers and stronger engagement between Police lawyers and members of the wider Bar. She noted that the NBA has a responsibility to remain responsive to the needs of its members across the country and advocated for an end to recurring confrontations between lawyers and Police officers, stressing that both professions have complementary responsibilities within the justice system.
The NBA President also highlighted a UNICEF-supported initiative focused on children’s access to justice, under which the NBA 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 noted that the proposal is aimed at ensuring that vulnerable children receive adequate legal support and protection throughout the justice process.
Responding, the IGP congratulated Mrs Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her emergence as President of the NBA and described the engagement as an opportunity to build a stronger and 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 to professional interactions, noting 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.
The IGP also called for greater professionalism and responsibility in the recording and dissemination of encounters involving Police officers. He stressed the importance of ensuring that such encounters are presented responsibly, particularly given the challenging circumstances under which Police personnel carry out their constitutional responsibilities to protect lives and property.
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 communication and coordination mechanism as key areas requiring sustained collaboration. He noted that 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 building a stronger and more productive partnership.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association and other justice-sector stakeholders towards protecting fundamental rights, improving access to justice, promoting professionalism and building a more effective, responsive and trusted criminal justice system.
