The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has said the Nigeria Police Force is committed to the advancement of the criminal justice processes in Nigeria.

Baba said this during a visit by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Barrister Olumide Akpata and other officials of the Association on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Details of the meeting were disclosed in a statement titled, “IGP, NBA President Meet To Advance Criminal Justice System In Nigeria,” signed by Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba.

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According to the statement, “The IGP, during the meeting, pledged that the Force would work in sync with the NBA in a Joint Committee – soon to be established – aimed at harmonizing functions and developing new framework and protocols for promoting due process and the Rule of Law, dealing with issues of unnecessary antagonism between Police officers and defense attorneys, and promoting respect for the rights and privileges of the citizens during criminal investigations. He further noted that the collaboration would also assist in promoting a seamless working relationship between Police officers and defense attorneys. The committee shall have its members drawn from both the Bar and the NPF.

“The IGP, while acknowledging that the Force has one of the largest pool of licensed legal practitioners in the country, revealed that there are plans in place for effective utilisation of the Police lawyers as well as advancing professionalism for lawyers within the Force.

“In his comments, the President of the NBA 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. He 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 present during the meeting include Barr. John Aikpokpo Martins – NBA Vice President, Mrs Joyce Oduah – NBA General Secretary, Barr. Tunde Edun, Barr. Benard Oniga and Barr. Isah Abubakar Aliyu.