In a strongly worded petition addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the National Litigation Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded immediate disciplinary action against the Officer-in-Charge of the Cybercrime Unit at the Nigeria Police Zonal Command, Zone 7, Abuja, over the alleged brutal assault and unlawful detention of a young lawyer, Olawoore Akolade, Esq.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, has sparked widespread condemnation within the legal community.
According to the petition signed by Ama Etuwewe, SAN, Chairman of the Committee, and Isah Abubakar Aliyu, Secretary, the officer and others acting in concert violated not only the constitutional rights of Mr. Akolade but also the United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers—particularly Articles 16 and 17—which guarantee the right of legal practitioners to carry out their duties without intimidation or harassment.
The Shocking Allegations
Olawoore Akolade, called to the Bar in 2021, had visited the Cybercrime Office at Zone 7 to represent a client, Mr Peter Pius, who had earlier informed him of police harassment, extortion, and the unlawful seizure of phones, personal gadgets, and even a vehicle. The petition details how police officers allegedly:
- Demanded bribes totalling over ₦5,000,000.00 from Mr Pius, part of which was withdrawn at a POS outlet under duress.
- Threatened and videotaped the suspects to extract confessions.
- Requested an additional ₦1,500,000.00, prompting Mr. Akolade to visit the station in person.
Upon identifying himself as the client’s lawyer, Mr Akolade was reportedly slapped multiple times, physically assaulted, and detained. His phone was seized, and the officer allegedly boasted of his immunity to repercussions.
It took the intervention of a senior officer, DCP Yusuf A. Abdul, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, to de-escalate the situation and secure Mr. Akolade’s release.
NBA Demands Justice and Reform
Describing the actions of the officer as “reckless, unprofessional, and a disgrace to law enforcement”, the NBA Litigation Committee condemned what it called “a rascal masquerading as a police officer.”
The Committee noted the implications such behaviour has on public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force at a time when the institution is struggling to rebuild its reputation.
The NBA further warned that the treatment of lawyers as adversaries, rather than partners in the justice system, reflects “a decay in understanding of legal norms and the rule of law” within certain ranks of the police.
Demands and Next Steps
The Committee called for:
- A thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the incident.
- Immediate disciplinary actions, including possible dismissal of the erring officers.
- Notifications to relevant oversight bodies, including the Police Service Commission, the Attorney General of the Federation, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
- Possible civil and criminal proceedings to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence.
Mr. Akolade is said to be ready and willing to provide full cooperation for any investigation initiated.
Signed:
Ama Etuwewe, SAN
Chairman, NBA National Litigation Committee
Kindly find attached
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