The Integrity Youth Alliance has faulted the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) over its decision to institute legal action against the Nigeria Police Force regarding what it described as the “unjust and undue delay” in converting and promoting legal practitioners serving in the Force to the specialist cadre.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Kelvin Adegbenga, the group described the NBA’s move as misleading and an attempt to take credit for reforms already initiated by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
According to the Alliance, IGP Egbetokun has already forwarded requests for the promotion of Inspectors and rank-and-file officers who are qualified legal practitioners and currently serving in the Legal Directorate to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
The group also recalled that on 12th August 2025, the IGP upgraded the Legal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force into a full-fledged Directorate to professionalize legal practice within the Force, enhance efficiency in legal services, and strengthen collaboration within the justice sector.
Similarly, on August 20, 2025, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun upgraded the Police Medical Section to a full-fledged Directorate of Medical Services, a move aimed enhancing police welfare and operational efficiency. The upgrade further aimed to provide better healthcare for officers, retirees, and their families by institutionalizing medical services, ensuring specialized oversight, better coordination, and improved resource allocation, ultimately seen as a strategic investment in National security.
Some rank and file officers who are now qualified Doctors have been elevated as well to be in peers with their colleagues.
The IGP has promoted personnel in the Airwing and police animal branch of the force as well.
IGP Egbetokun has shown strong resolve in appreciating and rewarding excellence as well as professionalism.
“The NBA’s action ignores these verifiable milestones and paints an unfair picture of an IGP who has consistently demonstrated respect for judicial processes,” the statement read.
The Alliance maintained that the current police leadership has provided a better platform for growth, recognition, and professionalism for officers in the legal field, urging the NBA to embrace constructive partnership rather than what it described as “needless litigation.”
