Abia Police, NBA Partner To Improve Access To Justice

The Abia State Police Command and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Umuahia Branch, have strengthened their collaboration to promote professionalism, improve access to justice and uphold the rule of law in the state.

The commitment was made Tuesday, during a collaborative workshop involving representatives of both institutions, where participants discussed ways to enhance mutual respect, effective communication and professional cooperation between lawyers and police officers.

The workshop focused on developing a framework to protect the constitutional and statutory rights of suspects, detainees and other persons who come in contact with the criminal justice system.

Discussions centred on access to persons in police custody by legal practitioners, arrest and detention procedures, bail administration, legal representation during investigations, professional conduct and the resolution of disagreements between lawyers and police officers.

A major highlight of the workshop was the proposed institutional collaboration framework, which provides for the appointment of liaison officers by both institutions to facilitate communication, address professional concerns and ensure the peaceful resolution of disputes.

The framework also provides for joint sensitisation programmes and continuous professional development on fundamental human rights, investigation procedures and the administration of criminal justice.

The Abia State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, psc(+), mnips, JP, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening institutional partnerships, protecting fundamental human rights and ensuring that police operations are conducted in accordance with the law.

The collaboration is expected to further promote accountability, professionalism and people-oriented policing while strengthening public confidence in the criminal justice system in Abia State.