IGP, NBA President seek cooperation on advancing criminal justice system in Nigeria

• Agree to set-up Joint Committee for Promoting Human Rights and The Rule of Law

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, on Wednesday revealed the readiness of the Nigeria Police Force to cooperate with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to promote criminal justice system in the country. IGP Usman Alkali Baba, hosting the NBA President, Barrister Olumide A. Akpata, and other NBA officials, on courtesy visit at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Wednesday, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to the advancement of the criminal justice processes in Nigeria.

Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CP Frank Mba, in a statement, indicated that the IGP, during the meeting, pledged that the Force would work in sync with the NBA in a Joint Committee, soon to be set up, towards harmonizing functions and developing new framework and protocols for promoting due process and the Rule of Law, including 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. The IGP further stated 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, CP Mba added.

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 utilization of the Police lawyers as well as advancing professionalism for lawyers within the Force.

The NBA President commended the IGP for the various reforms being implemented by the current Police leadership, especially those bordering on promoting the rights and privileges of the citizens. Barrister Akpata advocated more goodwill between the Police and members of the Bar as cardinal players within the Nigerian Criminal Justice System.

The NBA President 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 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.