The Akure branch of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) has urged the Ondo State Police Command to address alleged harassment and intimidation of lawyers at police stations while discharging their professional duties.

The NBA also sought stronger collaboration with the command to ensure the effective implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law in the state.

The Chairman of the Akure NBA, Oju Kekemeke, made the call when the newly elected executive of the branch paid a courtesy visit to the state Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, at the command headquarters in Akure.

Kekemeke said lawyers and the police were essential to maintaining a stable and organised society, stressing that their roles should be complementary rather than adversarial.

He said, “The starting point is mutual respect for our professions. The lawyer must respect the Police in his line of duty. The police must also respect the lawyer as an advocate and solicitor in line with his call.”

The NBA chairman called for the establishment of Police-NBA Criminal Justice Coordination meetings to address issues including lawful arrest, protection of suspects’ rights, presence of counsel during statement-taking, improved investigation, early legal advice, bail procedures and unnecessary detention.

He also proposed monthly inspection of police detention facilities, human rights compliance and accountability, as well as joint training programmes for police officers and lawyers.

Kekemeke said some lawyers representing clients at police stations had been “harassed, intimidated, and at times molested,” urging the police commissioner to engage officers on the role of legal practitioners.

“If for whatever reason the police have issues with any of our member, we propose that our association be directly communicated for proper engagement of such issues to avoid recurrent conflicts,” he said.

He also criticised the command’s policy requiring lawyers to surrender their mobile phones before entering police stations, arguing that the measure could affect their efficiency and access to vital information.

Responding, Ohagwu said effective administration of criminal justice required the complementary efforts of the police, legal practitioners and other stakeholders.

 He welcomed the proposed partnership and assured the NBA of the command’s readiness to sustain professional engagement, improve communication and support initiatives that promote justice, accountability and the rule of law.