Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has pledged that the Force would set up a joint committee with the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, to harmonize functions and develop a new framework and protocols for promoting due process and the Rule of Law.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the advancement of the criminal justice processes in Nigeria.
The IGP spoke during a courtesy call on by the President of the NBA, Barrister Olumide Akpata and other officials of the association on Wednesday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Baba noted that the joint committee will deal with issues of unnecessary antagonism between police officers and defense attorneys as well as promote respect for the rights and privileges of the citizens during criminal investigations.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration would also assist in promoting a seamless working relationship between Police officers and defense attorneys.
Members of the committee shall would be drawn from both the Bar and the Police.
While acknowledging that the Nigeria Police Force has one of the largest pool of licensed legal practitioners in the country, the IGP said plans were underway for effective utilization of the Police lawyers as well as advancing professionalism for lawyers within the Force.
In his remarks, the NBA President appreciated the IGP for the various reforms being championed by the current Police leadership, especially those bordering on promoting the rights and privileges of the citizens.
Akpata advocated more goodwill between the Police and members of the Bar as cardinal players within the Nigerian Criminal Justice System.
He also commended the Police Complaint Response Unit for always responding to complaints and issues of frictions between defense lawyers and the Police.
Other members of the NBA delegation included, Barr. John Aikpokpo Martins – NBA Vice President; Mrs. Joyce Oduah – NBA General Secretary, Barr. Tunde Edun, Barr. Benard Oniga and Barr. Isah Abubakar Aliyu.
