The Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration with key stakeholders in the justice sector.
The commitment was reaffirmed when the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, received a delegation from the Nigerian Bar Association, led by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, during a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, raised concerns over the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), which empowers Chief Judges to direct judges and magistrates to inspect detention facilities and grant bail where necessary.
“There is presently a provision in the Additional Criminal Justice Act which says that the chief judge shall direct judges and magistrates to visit detention facilities or centres within their jurisdiction to inspect, and even grant bail.”
“We note that despite this statutory provision, the police, and not only the police, some law enforcement agencies refuse and resist these efforts, and I want to use this opportunity to bring this to the attention of the IGP and to respectfully request that the police should understand that this is not an indictment, that these magistrates and judges, where they come, are merely carrying out statutory duties, and also to ensure that there is no untoward thing going on within their divisions or their commands.” He stated.
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President of the Nigerian Bar Association also expressed concern over what he described as the growing misuse of bail procedures, arguing that bail is increasingly being granted under conditions that make it practically unattainable. He advocated the creation of a comprehensive electronic criminal database with biometric records to improve accountability and tracking within the criminal justice system.
“I will use this opportunity to note that bail has become a punitive thing, that in our police stations, in our courts, in EFCC offices, ICPC offices, bail is being given with the intention that the people should not enjoy it, so we deny bail by pretending to give it,” Osigwe explained.
The NBA President commended the Inspector-General for his ongoing efforts to strengthen professionalism and accountability within the Force and reaffirmed the Association’s readiness to support initiatives that promote justice, the rule of law and improved service delivery. He also extended an invitation to the Nigeria Police Force to participate in the forthcoming NBA Annual General Conference.
In his response, the Inspector-General of Police reiterated the Force’s commitment to constitutional policing, respect for fundamental rights and adherence to due process in the discharge of its responsibilities.
He further stressed the importance of sustained engagement between the Police and the legal profession in strengthening the criminal justice system, noting that effective collaboration among justice sector stakeholders remains critical to promoting accountability, protecting citizens’ rights and improving access to justice.
During the meeting, both the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Bar Association emphasised the importance of partnership in strengthening accountability, protecting fundamental human rights and enhancing public confidence in the justice system.
They noted that concerns over delays in the administration of justice, allegations of human rights violations and the need for greater accountability within law enforcement agencies continue to shape discussions on criminal justice reform in Nigeria.
Both organisations maintained that stronger cooperation among institutions within the justice sector is essential to ensuring that citizens receive fair treatment, due process and timely access to justice.
