RismadarVoice Reporters
September 18, 2026
The Akure branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has called on the Ondo State Police Command to address alleged harassment and intimidation of lawyers at police stations while they are representing clients.
The association also proposed closer cooperation between lawyers and the police to strengthen the implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in Ondo State.
Chairman of the NBA Akure branch, Oju Kekemeke, raised the concerns during a courtesy visit by the branch’s new executive members to the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, at the command headquarters in Akure.
Kekemeke said lawyers and police officers perform complementary roles in the criminal justice system and should maintain mutual professional respect while carrying out their responsibilities.
He said effective cooperation was particularly important from the point of arrest and investigation through prosecution and trial.
NBA SEEKS REGULAR POLICE-LAWYERS MEETINGS
The association proposed regular criminal justice coordination meetings between the police and NBA to address operational issues affecting suspects, lawyers and investigators.
According to Kekemeke, such engagements should cover lawful arrests, suspects’ rights, access to legal representation during statement-taking, investigations, detention, legal advice, bail and bond procedures, as well as compliance with human rights standards.
The NBA also proposed monthly inspections of police detention facilities and joint professional training programmes for police officers and lawyers.
Kekemeke, however, alleged that some lawyers had experienced harassment and intimidation at police stations while attempting to represent their clients.
He urged the command to sensitise officers on the professional responsibilities of lawyers, adding that the NBA would equally remind its members of their obligation to respect police officers carrying out lawful duties.
The association further proposed that where the police have complaints about the conduct of a lawyer, the NBA should be contacted to allow the matter to be addressed through appropriate professional channels.
NBA QUESTIONS PHONE RESTRICTION
Kekemeke also raised concerns over a policy requiring lawyers to surrender their mobile phones before entering some police facilities.
He argued that mobile phones had become important professional tools containing legal information and, in some cases, confidential client material.
While acknowledging that reasonable restrictions on photography or recording could be imposed in sensitive areas, the NBA chairman said possession of a mobile phone should not prevent a lawyer from gaining access to a client.
POLICE PLEDGE STRONGER COLLABORATION
Responding, Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu acknowledged the complementary responsibilities of the police, lawyers and other stakeholders in the administration of criminal justice.
He welcomed the NBA’s proposal for closer engagement and assured the association of the command’s willingness to improve communication and sustain professional cooperation.
Ohagwu said the command would support initiatives aimed at strengthening justice, accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
The engagement is expected to provide a framework for addressing recurring areas of disagreement between lawyers and police officers while improving cooperation in the administration of criminal justice in Ondo State.
