The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, have agreed to strengthen cooperation between the police and legal profession in an effort to reduce recurring clashes and improve justice delivery in Nigeria.

The agreement was reached on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, when the NBA president and members of the association’s National Executive Committee visited the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja.

Both sides identified improved communication, professional engagement and mutual respect as key to building a more effective relationship between lawyers and police officers.

Why it matters

Tensions between lawyers and police officers can affect the handling of criminal cases and undermine public confidence in the justice system.

At the meeting, the NBA called for closer engagement between the two professions, including specialised training for lawyers and better interaction between Police lawyers and members of the wider Bar.

Mrs Badejo-Okusanya said the NBA had a responsibility to remain responsive to the needs of lawyers across the country and called for an end to recurring confrontations between lawyers and police personnel.

She said lawyers and police officers have different responsibilities but play complementary roles in the administration of justice.

Also Read: NIMASA Plans Curriculum Review to Boost Global Recognition of Nigerian Seafarers 

NBA proposes Police lawyers at stations

The NBA president also highlighted a UNICEF-supported initiative focused on children’s access to justice.

Under the proposal, the NBA wants a Police lawyer to be available at every police station to provide appropriate legal support to children who come into contact with the juvenile justice system.

The association said the proposal would help ensure that vulnerable children receive appropriate support and protection during their interaction with the justice system.

IGP calls for professionalism

Responding, Disu congratulated Mrs Badejo-Okusanya on her election as NBA president and described the meeting as an opportunity to establish a stronger and more structured relationship between the police and the legal profession.

He said respect for individuals, offices and professions should remain central to interactions between lawyers and police officers.

The IGP noted that lawyers are primarily concerned with protecting citizens’ rights, while the police are responsible for protecting lives and property, but said their duties ultimately converge in the administration of justice.

“The Police and the legal profession are partners in the pursuit of justice.”

The police chief also called for greater professionalism in the recording and sharing of encounters involving police officers.

He said officers should not be ridiculed or have the difficult circumstances of their work reduced to social media entertainment, particularly when they are carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

Police, NBA target faster criminal trials

The two institutions also identified delays in criminal trials as an area requiring greater cooperation.

Disu proposed stronger professional engagement and the establishment of a dedicated Nigeria Police Force/NBA mechanism to facilitate open and seamless communication.

Such a channel, according to the IGP, would allow professional concerns to be addressed early and help prevent disagreements from developing into confrontations.

What’s next?

The IGP said disagreements between lawyers and police officers were inevitable in the course of their respective duties but stressed that such differences should be handled with professionalism, civility and mutual respect.

He also expressed his readiness to work with the new NBA leadership to build a more productive partnership.

The Nigeria Police Force said it remained committed to working with the NBA and other justice-sector stakeholders to protect fundamental rights, improve access to justice and strengthen public confidence in the criminal justice system.

A women’s rights organisation has received the Voice, Impact and Empowerment Award, an Award of Excellence recognising its 16 years of work promoting the rights, dignity and future of women and girls.

The organisation received the recognition at The Press Society Workshop and Award Ceremony, where its long-term contribution to women’s empowerment and advocacy was acknowledged.

The award comes as organisations working on women’s rights continue to push for greater representation, access to opportunities and stronger systems to protect the rights and dignity of women and girls.

‘This recognition is a responsibility’

Reacting to the award, the organisation said the recognition was an encouragement but also a reminder that more work remains to be done.

“There is still work to be done. More voices need to be heard, and systems need to change.”

It said more women and girls should have the opportunity to live with dignity, make informed choices and thrive.

The organisation also dedicated the recognition to its partners, supporters, team members, community members, and the women and girls who have been central to its work.

Also Read: NSCDC Anambra Warns VIP Duty Personnel to Obey Service Orders 

Why the award matters

Recognition for sustained advocacy can help draw attention to issues affecting women and girls, particularly where social and institutional barriers continue to limit access to opportunities and decision-making.

For the organisation, the award is being viewed not simply as a celebration of its past achievements, but as a call to continue its advocacy and community-focused work.

“Together, we will keep showing up, speaking up, and keep building change.”

The organisation described the occasion as a celebration of 16 years of impact.

A commitment to the next generation

The organisation said its work remains focused on ensuring that women and girls have the opportunity to make informed choices and build better futures.

It also acknowledged the contribution of those who have supported its journey over the past 16 years, saying the recognition belongs to the wider community that has participated in and supported its work.

As it marks the milestone, the organisation said it intends to maintain its focus on amplifying voices, challenging systems and supporting women and girls.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it will deploy security personnel around the First Niger Bridge and adjoining areas during a two-week emergency maintenance programme.

The Anambra State Command said officers would provide security from Monday, 7 September to Monday, 21 September 2026, when the bridge is expected to be temporarily closed for repair works.

The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, disclosed the deployment on Sunday, 6 September, while reviewing the command’s operational plans at its headquarters in Awka.

Why the Niger Bridge closure matters

The First Niger Bridge is an important transport link connecting communities in south-eastern Nigeria with Asaba and other parts of Delta State.

Its temporary closure is expected to affect motorists and commuters travelling between the two regions, making traffic management and security around the construction area particularly important.

The NSCDC said its deployment is intended to protect the bridge, construction equipment and workers throughout the rehabilitation period.

“We have mobilized armed and unarmed officers to provide 24-hour security for the engineers, equipment, and the bridge infrastructure throughout the repair period.”

Commandant Maku said the corps would work with other security agencies to help ensure the repair operation proceeds without disruption.

Motorists advised to use Second Niger Bridge

According to the NSCDC, diversion routes have been mapped out in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Works and other agencies.

Motorists have been advised to use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, throughout the closure period.

The command urged road users to follow traffic signs and cooperate with security and traffic officials as authorities manage the diversion.

Also Read: NDLEA Arrests Convicted Cocaine Trafficker in Lagos 

NSCDC warns against vandalism

The security agency also warned that people who attempt to vandalise government property or obstruct the contractor working on the bridge would face arrest.

“We urge residents and road users to remain patient and law-abiding. Anyone found vandalizing government property or obstructing the contractor handling the project, will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.”

The NSCDC said its personnel would remain deployed around the project area for the duration of the maintenance works.

What road users should know

For motorists planning to travel between Anambra and Delta during the closure, the key advice from the authorities is to:

– Allow additional travel time.

– Follow official diversion signs.

– Use the Second Niger Bridge route through Obosi towards Asaba.

– Follow instructions from security and traffic officials.

– Avoid stopping unnecessarily around the construction area.

– Report suspicious activity or attempts to damage infrastructure to the authorities.

The NSCDC said the security operation is part of its statutory responsibility to protect critical national, state and local government assets and infrastructure.

What’s next

The emergency maintenance programme is scheduled to run from 7 to 21 September 2026, according to the NSCDC.

Road users are expected to rely on the designated diversion routes while the repair work is underway.