NBA, Police Move To Strengthen Justice System Through Dialogue
…Badejo-Okusanya Leads Delegation To Police Headquarters
By Tams Jonah, ABUJA – The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has renewed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Nigeria Police Force, following a high-level engagement between its leadership and the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and members of the Force Management Team.
The NBA President, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, FCIArb(UK), led a delegation of the association to the Force Headquarters for discussions on the relationship between lawyers and the Police and ways to improve the administration of justice.
The meeting addressed several issues, including lawyers’ access to police stations, professional respect, juvenile justice, pro bono legal services, law reform, land and civil disputes, as well as stronger communication channels between the two institutions.
The Police leadership also raised concerns surrounding the recording of police activities with mobile phones and the production of skits involving police officers.
Other issues discussed included access to pro bono legal services, outdated laws, the establishment of special courts and opportunities for police officers.
Badejo-Okusanya said the engagement provided an opportunity for both institutions to openly discuss their challenges and explore practical solutions.
According to her, lawyers must be allowed to discharge their professional responsibilities, while police officers must equally be supported and respected as they carry out their lawful duties.
She stressed that although lawyers and police officers have different roles within the justice system, both institutions share a common responsibility to ensure that the system works effectively for citizens.
The NBA President said the meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both sides to sustained dialogue, stronger institutional cooperation and practical reforms aimed at improving justice delivery.
She added that the Bar would continue to engage relevant institutions, listen to concerns and build partnerships capable of strengthening Nigeria’s justice system.
“Justice works when we work together,” Badejo-Okusanya said, reaffirming the NBA’s determination to promote collaboration between the legal profession and law enforcement agencies.
