Increasing unwarranted antagonism between the police and lawyers as well promoting respect for rights of citizens by the Nigeria police were high points at a meeting between the Inspector general of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, and the Nigeria bar association.
Both sides have also planned to set up a committee for promoting human rights and rule of law.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the advancement of the criminal justice processes in Nigeria at a courtesy call by the NBA led by its president, Olumide Akpata, on the police high command in Abuja,
Baba said the Force will collaborate with the NBA in a Joint Committee – soon to be established to harmonize functions and develop new frameworks and protocols for promoting due process and the Rule of Law
He noted that the days of unnecessary antagonism between police officers and defense attorneys were over as such issues, in addition to promoting respect for the rights and privileges of the citizens during criminal investigations will be dealt with by the committee.
The IGP further noted that the collaboration would also assist in promoting a seamless working relationship between Police officers and defense attorneys with members comprising those from the Force and the Bar.
According to the police boss, the Force has one of the largest pools of licensed legal practitioners in the country and therefore there were plans to effectively utilize Police lawyers as well as advance professionalism for lawyers within the Force.
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Mr. Akpata however commended the police henchman for the various reforms within the force, especially those that deal with the promotion of the rights and privileges of the citizens.
The NBA President advocated for 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.
