Ogun Police, NBA set up committee to address complaints, prevent disputes

By Adebola Muili

The Ogun State Police Command and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abeokuta Branch, have established a joint committee to address professional disagreements and resolve outstanding concerns before they escalate into confrontations.

The committee was announced by the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, during a meeting with the NBA delegation, led by its Abeokuta Branch Chairman, Chief Kayode Aderemi, at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

The meeting, held on Tuesday, October 20, focused on strengthening cooperation between the police and legal practitioners, protecting fundamental human rights and promoting accountability in the administration of justice.

According to a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the NBA delegation raised concerns about judgment enforcement, alleged extortion and remand proceedings.

Responding, Ojajuni described the police and the Bar as indispensable partners in the administration of justice, noting that disagreements between the two institutions could promote accountability when handled professionally.

He said constructive friction between the police and legal practitioners could foster mutual growth, provided it was guided by civility, professionalism and respect for the rule of law.

The commissioner also stressed the need for proper verification of court judgments before police action and strict compliance with applicable laws in remand proceedings.

Reaffirming his zero-tolerance stance on extortion and police misconduct, Ojajuni urged lawyers and members of the public to report errant officers through established channels, including the X-Squad and the Complaint Response Unit (CRU).

He, however, cautioned legal practitioners against filing frivolous petitions that improperly turn civil disputes into criminal matters, resorting to procedural shortcuts or advising clients to disregard lawful police invitations.

The NBA chairman pledged to address the concerns raised by the commissioner within the association’s Abeokuta Branch.

The command said the joint committee would provide a structured platform for dialogue, follow-up and the resolution of professional disagreements, with a view to preventing unnecessary confrontations.

Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, respect for fundamental rights and accountability, stressing that effective cooperation between the police and the legal profession was essential to building public confidence in the criminal justice system.