The Ogun State Police Command and the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Abeokuta Branch, have established a joint follow-up committee to address complaints and resolve professional disagreements between the police and legal practitioners.
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, Eleweran, Abeokuta, on October 20, 2026.
The engagement addressed concerns bordering on alleged police extortion, enforcement of court judgments and remand proceedings, with both institutions pledging to strengthen cooperation and accountability in the administration of justice.
Ojajuni reaffirmed his zero-tolerance stance on extortion and police misconduct, urging lawyers and members of the public to report errant officers through established channels, including the X-Squad and the Complaint Response Unit (CRU), for appropriate action.
He stressed the importance of professionalism and respect for the rule of law in relations between the police and the legal profession, describing constructive friction between both institutions as a means of promoting accountability and mutual growth.
The commissioner also emphasised the need for proper verification of court judgments before police action and strict compliance with applicable laws in remand proceedings.
He urged legal practitioners to avoid frivolous petitions that improperly turn civil disputes into criminal cases, procedural shortcuts and advice that encourages clients to disregard lawful police invitations.
In response, Aderemi commended the commissioner’s leadership, raised concerns about the issues and pledged the branch’s continued support for the Command. He also undertook to address the concerns raised by the police within the NBA branch.
The joint committee is expected to provide a structured channel for dialogue, follow up on outstanding complaints and resolve professional disagreements before they escalate into unnecessary confrontations.
Ojajuni said cooperation between the police and the legal profession remained essential to protecting fundamental rights, strengthening the criminal justice system and sustaining public confidence in policing.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to working with the NBA and other justice-sector stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and improve accountability in the state.