Reported by: Ime Richard Aondofa | Edited by Henry Owen
Abuja – On Monday, September 29, 2025, the Nigeria Police Force marked a pivotal moment in its ongoing reform agenda as the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, officially received a cohort of officers recently called to the Nigerian Bar. The ceremony, held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, highlighted a growing commitment to integrating legal expertise into policing, signaling a transformative shift in how the Force approaches law enforcement and public accountability.
In his address, IGP Egbetokun extended heartfelt congratulations to the officers and specially recognized DSP Idachaba Laraba, who graduated with First Class honours from the Nigerian Law School. He described the achievement as emblematic of both personal dedication and institutional progress. “Your success is not merely a personal milestone,” the IGP said. “It represents a significant asset to the Nigeria Police Force. Every action we take, every power we exercise, must be firmly grounded in law. You return to the Force not just as officers, but as custodians of legal knowledge capable of strengthening our operations and enhancing service to the Nigerian people.”
Experts observing the ceremony noted the strategic significance of this development. Professor Chinyere Okeke, a governance and policing analyst, explained that embedding officers with formal legal training across operational and administrative units enhances both procedural integrity and public confidence. “In a country where law enforcement is under intense scrutiny, officers with legal expertise are vital,” she said. “They ensure that investigations, arrests, and prosecutions adhere strictly to constitutional provisions, reducing errors that can undermine justice and public trust.”
The timing of this integration is particularly critical, coinciding with the Force’s recent upgrade of its Legal Section into a full Directorate headed by an Assistant Inspector-General of Police. This structural enhancement demonstrates an institutional recognition that legal knowledge is essential not only in advising senior management but also in operational decision-making, policy implementation, and community engagement. The addition of these newly called lawyers, therefore, strengthens the Directorate’s capacity to oversee complex legal processes and provide guidance across all levels of policing.
During the reception, the officers expressed profound gratitude for the warm welcome and the IGP’s support in facilitating their legal education. Many recounted the challenges of balancing rigorous police duties with the demands of law school, acknowledging the mentorship and institutional backing that enabled their success. They pledged to leverage their knowledge to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability within the Force.
Public reaction has been largely positive, with civil society groups, legal practitioners, and community leaders applauding the initiative as a forward-thinking reform. Analysts argue that having police officers trained in law will reduce procedural errors in investigations, enhance the quality of prosecutions, and promote adherence to human rights standards. It also strengthens the Force’s capacity to navigate complex cases involving constitutional law, criminal procedure, and civil rights, ensuring that enforcement actions are defensible both in court and in the court of public opinion.
The benefits extend beyond operational efficacy. Officers with legal training can serve as mentors within the Force, guiding colleagues on legal procedures and ethical standards, and helping to instill a culture of compliance with national laws. This expertise can also facilitate more effective engagement with external stakeholders, including prosecutors, regulatory agencies, and international partners, strengthening collaboration and reinforcing accountability.
DSP Idachaba Laraba, who earned First Class honours, described the achievement as both a personal and professional victory. She recounted the challenges of balancing rigorous police duties with the demands of law school, attributing her success to discipline, mentorship, and institutional support. “This recognition is both personal and professional,” she said. “We are committed to applying our legal knowledge to enhance the integrity, fairness, and effectiveness of policing in Nigeria. Our goal is to serve the people while ensuring that every action we take is legally sound and ethically guided.”
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Force Public Relations Officer, emphasized that this development is part of a broader strategy to professionalize the Nigeria Police Force and equip officers with the skills needed to respond effectively to modern policing challenges. “The addition of legally trained officers reinforces the IGP’s vision of a Force that is accountable, transparent, and aligned with the rule of law,” he said. “It also sets a precedent for continuous professional development, demonstrating that policing in Nigeria is evolving to meet both national and international standards.”
Observers note that the long-term impact of this initiative could be profound. By embedding legal expertise into policing, the Force enhances operational legitimacy, reduces litigation risks, and fosters greater public trust. It also positions the Nigeria Police Force as a modern institution where law and enforcement coexist seamlessly, bridging the gap between authority and accountability.
As the newly called officers take up their roles, the expectations are clear: to ensure that policing in Nigeria is not only effective but also legally sound, ethically guided, and publicly accountable. The ceremony at the Force Headquarters stands as a symbolic and practical milestone, signaling a Nigeria Police Force increasingly focused on rule-of-law principles, professionalism, and service to the people.
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