Speaking during the meeting, IGP Disu acknowledged the longstanding perception gap between police officers and lawyers, noting that both professions often approach each other with preconceived notions that hinder effective cooperation.
According to him, experiences early in his policing career helped shape his appreciation of the critical role lawyers play in the administration of justice.
"There has always been this perception that lawyers see police officers as people who do not know their job, while police officers equally believe lawyers come to frustrate investigations. We must move beyond these stereotypes and work together for the good of society," the IGP stated.
The police chief assured the NBA leadership that concerns raised during the meeting would receive due attention, particularly allegations surrounding restrictive bail conditions imposed at some police stations.
He clarified that the Nigeria Police Force does not officially require senior civil servants or specific categories of individuals as sureties for bail and described such practices as inconsistent with established procedures.
"Women can stand surety for suspects, and there is no policy requiring only senior civil servants to serve as guarantors. We will address any deviations from approved guidelines," he said.
The IGP, however, urged lawyers to assist the police by discouraging the growing trend of criminalising civil disputes through petitions submitted to law enforcement agencies.
He lamented that many legal practitioners present purely civil matters as criminal complaints, thereby increasing the workload of investigators and creating jurisdictional conflicts across police formations.
"Please tell your members to stop criminalising civil cases. Many petitions contain allegations crafted solely to attract police investigation when the issues are purely civil in nature," he noted.
On concerns regarding police officers failing to appear in court, Disu acknowledged the challenge and pledged efforts to improve coordination and accountability to ensure the timely prosecution of cases.
Addressing the issue of tinted vehicle permits, the IGP defended the police position on restrictions against excessively tinted vehicles, citing national security concerns and the increasing use of such vehicles by kidnappers and criminal gangs.
Drawing from his experience as Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), he revealed that most vehicles recovered from suspected "one-chance" syndicates were heavily tinted.
"Kidnappers and criminal elements deliberately use heavily tinted vehicles to conceal their activities. Security personnel must be able to identify vehicle occupants while carrying out their duties," he explained.
The IGP disclosed that the Force would soon commence stricter enforcement against illegally tinted vehicles while ensuring compliance with existing legal provisions that permit tinted vehicles only for approved security and medical reasons.
He also cautioned against the indiscriminate filming and public shaming of police officers performing lawful duties, emphasizing that officers equally possess constitutional rights.
"While we remain committed to ending impunity and sanctioning erring officers, police personnel also deserve respect and protection of their rights," he said.
Earlier, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe congratulated IGP Disu on his appointment and reaffirmed the association's commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force.
Osigwe described lawyers and police officers as critical partners in the administration of justice and national security, stressing that both institutions share responsibility for safeguarding lives, property and the rule of law.
The NBA President raised concerns over obstacles faced by judges and magistrates during visits to detention facilities, despite provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) empowering them to conduct inspections.
He also expressed concern over alleged abuses in the bail process, including reports that some police formations demand senior civil servants as sureties, a practice he said has encouraged the emergence of a "black market" for surety services.
The NBA further advocated the development of an integrated electronic criminal database to improve record-keeping, enhance criminal justice administration and strengthen inter-agency coordination.
On the issue of tinted glass permits, Osigwe clarified that the NBA does not oppose reasonable regulation but objected to any process that transforms permit issuance into a revenue-generating venture.
He called for a transparent and technology-driven system that balances public safety with citizens' rights.
The NBA President also commended the police leadership for its swift and professional response to recent incidents involving police misconduct, noting that prompt disciplinary action against offending officers helps strengthen public confidence in the Force.
Both parties agreed on the need for continuous dialogue and institutional cooperation to address challenges within the justice sector, improve policing standards and enhance public trust in law enforcement agencies.
The meeting ended with a commitment from both the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Bar Association to deepen engagement on issues affecting justice delivery, human rights protection and national security.
