…leads Ogun Police Command’s Management Team on inspection visit to POWA Skills Acquisition Centre
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State, CP Ojajuni has described the Police and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) as indispensable partners in the administration of justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State made this assertion while receiving the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abeokuta Branch, Chief Kayode Aderemi, and members of the Branch’s Executive Committee at the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Ojajuni pointed out that constructive friction between both institutions promotes mutual growth and accountability when guided by professionalism, civility and respect for the rule of law.
He also emphasised the need for proper verification of court judgments before police action and strict compliance with applicable laws in remand proceedings.
Reaffirming his zero-tolerance stance on extortion and police misconduct, the CP urged legal practitioners and members of the public to report errant officers through established channels, including the X-Squad and Complaint Response Unit (CRU), for appropriate action.
He equally urged lawyers to avoid frivolous petitions that improperly criminalise civil disputes, procedural shortcuts and advice that encourages clients to disregard lawful police invitations.
To sustain the engagement and ensure timely resolution of outstanding concerns, CP Ojajuni announced the establishment of a joint follow-up committee comprising representatives of the Command and the NBA, Abeokuta Branch.
The Commissioner of Police said the committee will provide a structured platform for dialogue, follow-up and the resolution of professional disagreements before they escalate into unnecessary confrontations.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to professionalism, respect for fundamental rights and accountability, emphasising that effective cooperation between the Police and the legal profession is essential to public confidence and the administration of justice.
The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to working with the NBA and other justice-sector stakeholders to uphold the rule of law, protect fundamental rights and strengthen public trust in policing and the criminal justice system, he emphasised.
Earlier in his speech, the NBA Chairman, Chief Kayode Aderemi had commended the CP’s leadership and raised concerns relating to judgment enforcement, alleged extortion and remand proceedings, while pledging the Bar’s continued support for the Command.
He noted that the visit would reinforce the commitment of both institutions to professional collaboration, the protection of fundamental human rights and a more accountable criminal justice system.
In a related development, CP Bode Ojajuni has led members of the Command’s Management Team on an inspection visit to the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Skills Acquisition Centre at the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
The visit, according to a press release signed by DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ogun State Command, Eleweran, Abeokuta, underscored the Command’s commitment to supporting women’s empowerment, enterprise development, job creation and proactive crime prevention.
During the visit, the POWA Acting Chairperson, Mrs Bolanle Adeoye, and members of the Association’s executive received the Commissioner and conducted him around the facility, including its Photography Studio and Make-up Studio.
The Centre is designed to equip POWA members and the general public with practical vocational skills, promote entrepreneurship and create sustainable livelihood opportunities, particularly for women and youths.
Speaking during the inspection, CP Ojajuni charged POWA to leverage extensive partnerships with government agencies, private sector organisations, manufacturers, vocational institutions and development partners to transform the Centre into a thriving industrial hub.
He emphasised that the vision should extend beyond skills acquisition to enterprise development, productive ventures and employment generation, enabling beneficiaries to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
The CP noted that economic empowerment and productive engagement are important complements to conventional policing, as sustainable livelihoods can help address socio-economic factors associated with crime.
He stressed that the Centre could also contribute to public safety through crime-prevention awareness, constructive community engagement and opportunities that encourage youths and women to pursue legitimate and productive ventures.
Commending Mrs Adeoye and the POWA Ogun State executive for their vision and commitment to human capital development, CP Ojajuni pledged the Command’s unwavering support for POWA and the Centre in every way possible.
He reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to encourage strategic collaboration and partnerships that would advance the Centre’s development, expand its reach and strengthen its contribution to empowerment, crime prevention and community safety.
The inspection highlighted POWA’s potential to complement conventional policing through practical empowerment and sustainable economic opportunities.
The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen community resilience, promote productive engagement and advance lasting public safety across the State, CP Ojajuni assured.
