IGP Egbetokun Urges Newly Called-To-Bar Police Officers to Uphold Integrity

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has officially received a distinguished group of police officers recently called to the Nigerian Bar in a ceremony held at the Force Headquarters, Abuja. In his address, the IGP warmly congratulated the officers on their academic achievement, singling out Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Idachaba Laraba for her outstanding accomplishment of graduating with First Class honours from the Nigerian Law School. This accomplishment is a rare feat and adds extraordinary value to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) .

IGP Egbetokun emphasized that the legal knowledge these officers now possess is not just a personal success but a critical asset that will strengthen the Force’s operations and service delivery to the Nigerian people. He stated that every police action and power must be grounded in the law and urged the officers to act as custodians of legal knowledge within the police institution, using their expertise to uphold justice and the rule of law. The officers were implored to defend the NPF with skill, courage, and integrity as they serve in their dual roles as law enforcement officers and legal practitioners .

The officers expressed profound gratitude for the reception and pledged to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in their new capacities. The IGP’s support has been integral in enabling police officers to attend law school and achieve professional advancement, underscoring a commitment to continuous capacity building within the Force. This influx of legal expertise coincides with the recent strategic upgrade of the Police Legal Section to a full Directorate, now led by an Assistant Inspector-General of Police. This upgrade aims to create a clear institutional identity for the Force’s legal operations, improve cohesion, and enhance prosecutorial capacity aligned with international best policing standards .

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The new Directorate of Legal Services, headed by Assistant Inspector-General Ohiozoba O. Ehiede, is positioned as the apex legal arm of the Nigeria Police Force, responsible for legal training, policy review, and structured engagement with the judiciary and prosecutorial bodies. This institutional reform reflects the NPF’s dedication to professionalism, transparency, and efficiency in legal matters, reinforcing public confidence in police operations and the justice system .

This milestone event highlights the ongoing reforms within the Nigerian Police Force geared toward better legal stewardship and improved service delivery to the nation. The combined force of policing and legal professionalism promises a stronger, more just law enforcement institution for Nigeria.