The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has blasted the Nigeria Police Force for what it calls an unlawful and provocative investigation into the Anambra State Attorney General and other senior law officers.
According to a statement jointly signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, and General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara, the association said the Police overstepped by trying to investigate the use of nolle prosequi—a legal tool that allows an Attorney General to withdraw a case.
What triggered the face-off
The controversy began when the IGP Monitoring Unit invited and later granted bail to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and others who had acted under the Attorney General’s instruction to drop a criminal case in court.
The NBA says that move violates Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution, which gives state Attorneys General the absolute power to start, continue, or drop any criminal case without interference.
“This power is not subject to judicial review or questioning by any agency, including the Police,” the NBA stressed.
“If we allow this, judges could be next”
The Bar warned that if the Police aren’t checked, they could one day start investigating judges for the judgments they deliver—a move that could shake Nigeria’s democracy to its core.
The NBA also criticized the decision to summon Anambra State officials to Abuja, calling it wasteful and unnecessary, especially for a matter rooted in the state.
“It disrupts lives, adds costs, and undermines the credibility of local policing,” the statement said.
NBA demands apology, halts intimidation
The association has demanded that the Inspector General of Police immediately drop the investigation, issue a public apology, and stop any further attempts to intimidate legal officers.
“No amount of invitation, investigation, or intimidation will deter law officers from doing their constitutional duties,” the NBA said.
Legal firepower activated
The NBA National Litigation Committee, led by Ama Etuwewe, SAN, has been instructed to defend the affected lawyers and take any necessary legal steps to protect their rights and the constitutional role of the Attorney General.
The NBA wrapped up by calling for serious reforms in Nigeria’s law enforcement and legal systems to prevent executive overreach and protect the rule of law.
