President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, has met with Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu in Abuja as part of efforts to address recurring disagreements between lawyers and police officers.
Badejo-Okusanya, accompanied by members of the NBA executive committee, visited the Force Headquarters on Tuesday for discussions centred on improving cooperation between the legal profession and the Nigeria Police Force.
The NBA president stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between lawyers and the police in promoting effective justice delivery and healthier professional relationships.
She noted that both groups have complementary roles within the justice system and should avoid “unnecessary” confrontations while carrying out their responsibilities.
Badejo-Okusanya also highlighted an initiative supported by UNICEF aimed at improving children’s access to justice. She said the NBA was proposing that a police lawyer be stationed at every police station to provide appropriate legal assistance to children who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.
Disu congratulated Badejo-Okusanya on her election as NBA president and described the meeting as an opportunity to strengthen ties between the police and the legal profession.
The IGP emphasised that mutual respect should guide interactions between lawyers and police officers, regardless of disagreements that may arise in the course of their duties.
“While lawyers are principally concerned with protecting citizens’ rights and the police with protecting lives and property, the responsibilities of both institutions converge in the administration of justice,” he said.
Disu further called for greater professionalism when recording and sharing encounters involving police officers, warning against situations where officers are ridiculed or their duties are reduced to social media entertainment.
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He identified several areas where continued cooperation would be necessary, including improving professional engagement, reducing delays in criminal trials and creating a dedicated communication mechanism between the Nigeria Police Force and the NBA.
According to the IGP, disagreements between lawyers and police officers are sometimes inevitable because of the nature of their respective responsibilities, but such disputes should be resolved through professionalism and civility.
Disu expressed his willingness to work with the new NBA leadership to build a stronger and more effective relationship between the two institutions.