Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Ogun State Police Command and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abeokuta Branch, have established a joint follow-up committee to address professional disagreements, strengthen accountability and improve cooperation in the administration of justice.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, announced the initiative on Tuesday, when he received the NBA Abeokuta Branch Chairman, Chief Kayode Aderemi, and members of the branch’s executive committee at the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
The engagement focused on the enforcement of court judgments, allegations of police extortion, remand proceedings and the protection of fundamental human rights.
During the meeting, Aderemi commended the police commissioner’s leadership and raised concerns about issues affecting relations between legal practitioners and the police, while pledging the Bar’s continued support for the Command.
Responding, Ojajuni described the police and the legal profession as indispensable partners in the administration of justice, stressing that constructive disagreements could promote accountability and mutual growth when handled professionally.
He said both institutions must maintain civility, respect the rule of law and work together to strengthen public confidence in the criminal justice system.
The commissioner also emphasised the need for proper verification of court judgments before police intervention 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 police X-Squad and Complaint Response Unit (CRU), for appropriate action.
He, however, cautioned legal practitioners against filing frivolous petitions that improperly criminalise civil disputes, resorting to procedural shortcuts or advising clients to disregard lawful police invitations.
The NBA chairman undertook to address the concerns raised by the commissioner within the branch.
To ensure sustained engagement and timely resolution of outstanding issues, the joint committee will provide a structured platform for dialogue, follow-up and the resolution of professional disagreements before they escalate into unnecessary confrontations.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and respect for fundamental rights, noting that effective collaboration between the police and the legal profession was essential to strengthening public trust.
The Ogun State Police Command said it would continue to engage the NBA and other justice-sector stakeholders to uphold the rule of law, protect citizens’ rights and improve confidence in policing and the administration of justice.
About the Author
