“Lawyers As People Of Nobility And Dignity Should Be Treated With Respect By The Police, Particularly By Following Due Process” Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR,MFR,SAN.

The Nigerian Bar Association in collaboration with MacArthur Foundation on May 18, 2022 held a training and workshop at the NBA National Secretariat, Plot 1101 Mohammadu Buhari Way, Central Business District, Abuja FCT, Nigeria with the theme “The Role of the Nigeria Police in the Implementation of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act,2015 and Compliance with Principles of Human Rights in Law Enforcement”.

The training was anchored by Ogaga Emoghwanre, Esq. and started with the Nigerian National Anthem followed by the NBA National prayer.

Tobenna Erojikwe,Esq.,Chairman,NBA Institute of Continuing Legal Education, a facilitator at the workshop welcomed, introduced participants, and urged them to sit tight, learn, and participate fully while at the training.

Honourable Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf, Chief Judge, FCT High Court was ably represented by Honourable Justice M.E Anenih, Judge of the FCT High Court.

My Lord in his speech commended MacArthur Foundation and the Institute of Continuing Legal Education for the initiative and also applauded participants for coming out in mass to be trained and learn at the impressive workshop.

My Lord further pronounced the workshop as one that should not be trivialized but recognized because it is apt and timely.

He reiterated on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act as one that aids in the seamless dispensation of Justice, rule of law, and maintaining delivery in the legal institution.

Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN , Chaiman, NBA-SARC in delivering his goodwill message at the workshop, quoted section 214 of the Constitution of Nigeria that establishes the Police Force and Section 4 of the Police Act which provides for the functions of the Nigeria Police.

The learned Silk further posited that the best way to preserve law and order in the society is through the Police. He further emphasized on the dignity of lawyers and how they ought to be treated with utmost respect by the police.

Going further, he urged participants to extend knowledge gained at the workshop to others, as it is not enough to learn and not share knowledge. He implored the audience to pay attention and wish them an informative workshop and training in conclusion.

Idris Bawa,Esq. Made a presentation on the procedures of arrest, suspects of crime, instances where the police can arrest without warrant, and expounded on the duties of the police in general.

Umar Mohammed, Director of Public Prosecution, Federal Ministry of Justice who was represented by A.A Yusuf, expounded on the innovations of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act with regards to the Police in dispensation of Justice.

He raised the issue of remuneration for State Counsel and Nigeria Police, and on the abrupt take over of cases by the Attorney General, interested Parties and Private Practitioners.

As the program was coming to the end, question and answer session was anchored by Kate Okoh-Kpina (Mrs), Advisor, Rule of Law, Giz Police Program, Africa-Nigeria.

Vote of thanks was performed by Osita Okoro, Project Team Coordinator.