Nigerian Bar Association Condemns Alleged Irregular, Biased Police Promotion Under IGP Egbetokun, Demands Transparency

The NBA Council resolved that “promotions must be strictly merit-based and in accordance with established procedures,” underscoring the importance of transparency and fairness within the Force.

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed concern over “allegations of irregular and biased promotion practices within the Nigeria Police Force” under the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

The NBA Council resolved that “promotions must be strictly merit-based and in accordance with established procedures,” underscoring the importance of transparency and fairness within the Force.

The NBA also directed all its branches across the country and the NBA Human Rights Committee to “provide legal support to affected citizens” over the enforcement of the motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy.

It resolved to “initiate committal proceedings against any (police) officer who disobeys court orders.”

The resolutions were part of a detailed communiqué issued at the end of NEC’s statutory quarterly meeting held on February 5, 2026, at the Muhammed Indimi International Conference Centre, Maiduguri, Borno State.

Under the heading Defence of the Rule of Law: Motor Vehicle Tinted Glass Policy, NEC said it “considered the enforcement of the motor vehicle tinted glass permit policy by the Nigeria Police Force and noted the constitutional and procedural concerns arising therefrom.”

The Association disclosed that it had already challenged the legality of the policy before the Federal High Court, Abuja, “on the grounds that it lacked statutory authority, constituted unlawful revenue generation, and imposed undue hardship on citizens.”

According to the communiqué, NEC noted that “engagement with the Inspector-General of Police resulted in the suspension of enforcement pending the determination of the suit.”

However, the Council issued a stern warning against disobedience of court orders, declaring that “judicial orders are binding and that any executive action in defiance thereof undermines the rule of law, as consistently affirmed by the Supreme Court.”

It therefore called on “all NBA Branches and the Human Rights Committee to provide legal support to affected citizens” and resolved “to initiate committal proceedings against any officer who disobeys court orders.”

The Council emphasized that the defence of constitutional governance remains central to the Bar’s mandate, stressing that executive agencies must operate strictly within the bounds of the law.

On counter-terrorism and criminal justice reforms, NEC expressed concern over “a proposed Bill redefining terrorism by removing ideological, political, or religious elements and expanding mandatory death penalties to kidnapping-related offences.”

The Council observed that “kidnapping is already criminalised under federal and state laws” and warned that “mandatory death sentences for ancillary offences offend principles of proportionality and criminal jurisprudence.”

NEC recommended “restricting terrorism classification to organised criminal networks with coercive intent” and urged lawmakers to consider “replacing mandatory death sentences with discretionary sentencing.”

It also called for “clear statutory defences” and the need to “harmonise federal and state criminal laws” to avoid duplication and inconsistency.

Reaffirming its commitment to balanced reforms, NEC stated that it remains committed to “legislative reforms that enhance security while safeguarding fundamental rights” and offered “technical assistance to the National Assembly” in refining the proposed legislation.

Turning to internal administration within law enforcement, NEC expressed concern over “allegations of irregular and biased promotion practices within the Nigeria Police Force.”

The Council resolved that “promotions must be strictly merit-based and in accordance with established procedures,” underscoring the importance of transparency and fairness within the Force.

According to the communiqué, adherence to due process in promotions is essential to maintaining professionalism, discipline, and public trust in the police institution.

Across the three issues, NEC reiterated its broader commitment to constitutionalism and accountability, declaring that it will remain “principled, proactive, and firm in the defence of legality and constitutional governance.”

The communiqué was jointly signed by NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and the General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, at the conclusion of the Maiduguri meeting.