The Chairman of the Citizens Liberties’ Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association, Nuhu J. Egya, Esq yesterday led members of the committee on a courtesy visit to the Command’s Headquarters in Garki, Abuja.

At the meeting, Chairman of the Committee, Nuhu J. Egya, Esq commended the Commissioner for the measures he has taken in curtailing the activities of criminal elements in the FCT and its environs notable amongst the Commissioner’s achievements is the reduction in the activities of Kidnappers and One Chance operators in the FCT.

The Chairman also expressed the concern of the Nigerian Bar Association on the incessant harassment and detention of lawyers in the discharge of their professional duties and the continuous violations of their fundamental rights by officers of the command in the FCT; handling of civil cases by the police; Condition of detainees in police detention; and also sought clarification on the recent ban on the use of tinted glass by motorists within the FCT.

In his response to the delegation, the Commissioner of Police of the FCT Command, Disu Olatunji thanked the committee for the visit and expressed deep concern in the uncivilized attitude of some officers towards lawyers while at the police stations in the discharge of their professional duties and promised that the issue will be addressed and the command will continue to create awareness amongst his officers for a need to have a cordial working relationship with lawyers while carrying out their professional duties and he will ensure that the fundamental rights of citizens are safeguarded and protected. He, however, also charged lawyers to cooperate with the police in view of eschewing the complexities that there are between lawyers and police officers so as to encourage a cordial working relationship between the two sides.

On the issue of the ban on use of tinted glass, the Commissioner said the action is to safeguard the residence of the FCT and since the operation began, the command has recorded tremendous success as kidnappers and one chance operators use tinted glass in carrying out their nefarious activities and ever since the implementation of the ban on use of tinted glass, the command has impounded tinted glass vehicles used by kidnappers and one chance operators. The Commissioner further stressed that the command operates within the ambit of the law as it concerns suspects in detention while also ensuring that suspects are charged within the required time stipulated by law.

The Commissioner expressed gratitude to the committee for deeming it necessary to visit the command and seek for synergy and build trust amongst members of Nigerian Bar Association, create a feedback and crisis intervention team for a seamless and efficient working relationship.

Amongst the FCT top ranking officers present at the meeting were DCP, Hauwa Ibrahim, ACP Mohammed S. Baba, ACP Zanna Madugu, DCP, Isyaku Sharu, 2IC OC Legal, SP Adama Musa, APPRO ASP Kator Patrick and others.