The police commissioner reiterates zero tolerance for extortion and calls for stronger cooperation with lawyers to promote accountability and justice.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, has reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for extortion and police misconduct, pledging stronger protection of fundamental human rights and improved collaboration with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
Ojajuni gave the assurance on Tuesday, October 20, when he received the NBA Chairman, Abeokuta Branch, Chief Kayode Aderemi, and members of the branch’s executive committee at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
During the meeting, Aderemi commended the commissioner’s leadership but raised concerns about the enforcement of court judgments, alleged police extortion and remand proceedings. He also pledged the association’s continued support for efforts to strengthen professionalism and accountability in the command.
Responding, Ojajuni described the police and legal profession as indispensable partners in the administration of justice, noting that constructive disagreements between both institutions could promote accountability and mutual growth when guided by professionalism, civility and respect for the rule of law.
The commissioner stressed the need for proper verification of court judgments before police intervention and strict adherence to legal procedures in remand matters. He also urged lawyers to avoid frivolous petitions that improperly turn civil disputes into criminal cases, procedural shortcuts and advice that encourages clients to disregard lawful police invitations.
Reiterating his commitment to discipline, Ojajuni urged lawyers and members of the public to report officers involved in extortion or other forms of misconduct through established channels, including the X-Squad and the Complaint Response Unit. He said complaints submitted through the appropriate channels would enable the command to take necessary action.
To sustain the engagement and address outstanding concerns, the commissioner announced plans to establish a joint follow-up committee comprising representatives of the police command and the NBA, Abeokuta Branch. The committee is expected to provide a structured platform for dialogue, resolve professional disagreements and prevent avoidable confrontations between both institutions. The NBA chairman also undertook to address concerns raised by the commissioner within the branch.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and respect for fundamental rights, stressing that effective cooperation between law enforcement officers and legal practitioners remained essential to public confidence in the criminal justice system. The command said it would continue to work with the NBA and other justice sector stakeholders to uphold the rule of law and strengthen public trust in policing.