The Nigeria Police Force has advised Nigerians to patronise professional legal practitioners while seeking justice in the country.
In a statement on X on Friday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, advised against hiring ”quack” lawyers, adding that hiring ill-trained lawyers can lead to imprisonment.
”Always patronise brilliant and competent lawyers whenever the need arises. A quack or ill-trained lawyer can send you to jail. Be wise,” Adejobi stated.
The statement by the police PRO has attracted backlash from Nigerians on social media, with many describing the police as a corrupt institution.
Our correspondent highlights below some reactions of Nigerians to the statement by the force PRO.
Mezie Abia, ”An official spokesman of a nation’s police force addressing lawyers as quacks is the height of unprofessionalism. All these quack policemen.”
GWG, ”Your statement implies that the quality of a lawyer, rather than the facts of a case, determines its outcome, which I find deeply troubling.
”While I agree that competent legal representation is crucial, justice should not be a game of who has the better lawyer; it should be about truth and fairness.
”If a brilliant lawyer can get someone off the hook irrespective of their crime, then the real problem isn’t just bad lawyers; it’s a flawed system in Nigeria, which I have always empathised against.
”Shouldn’t law enforcement focus on ensuring justice prevails rather than merely advising people on how to escape consequences?”
Chris Emma, ”Disgusting that all you know how to talk about and engage in is BS on social media and how citizens should be in jail even if they have not committed any crime but simply because you are used as a tool of the Executive to politicise the Nigeria Police and target only enemies and dissidents instead of actual criminals and terrorists, making lives unsafe for Nigerians! Disgusting, really.
”But you man of little mind, your time too shall pass. And one day you will need the police to be fair and proactive or to save you, but they won’t. Then you’ll have become a victim of the BS you promote with this ephemeral position.”
Nonny, ”I feel saddened by my country, Nigeria. This is meant to be the next level PRO representing Nigeria. Every day, there are more reasons to lose hope in this nation.”
Stephen Orukpe, ”From experience, the only time the police like a lawyer is when the lawyer encourages the accused or suspect to play ball with the police by giving bribe. Oh my, you will be loved in every police outfit.
”But the ones who insist on the law will be shouted at and insulted by being called all sorts of things, including quack, ill-trained, charge, and bail.
”This is not the court; get out and wait for us in court. Threatened, physically assaulted, and even, like just mentioned, thrown into jail and then turned around and told the lawyer’s client that the police want to assist the suspect/accused, but it’s his/her lawyer that’s the problem, and the majority of the time this causes problems between parties.
”I recall pursuing a matter vigorously years back, and after getting judgement, while the other co-accused jealously paid the bribe requested and were granted bail, I insisted on following the law, and yet with my judgement, my clients still paid to be released. Since then, I hardly take up criminal matters unless I have no option.
”Police and lawyers are like oil and water. Please concentrate on training your ill-trained, uncouth, and quack personnel to continue to give better service to Nigerians. Lawyers are not your problem.”
Bankky, ”Only listen to law enforcement officers whose allegiance is to the law and country. Take only the professional ones seriously and not ego massagers and praise singers whose allegiance is to the oga, the big men, and always defending force brutality and impunity.”
Oriji’ogun, ”It’s very unprofessional, stupid, unsolicited advice from the world’s most garrulous police spokesperson. A misfit who has ridiculed and reduced the office to that of a town hall meeting spokesperson. I make bold to tell you that you’re the worst to have graced that office.”
Chinemerem, ”You are a full disappointment of public relations organisation. No manner of professionalism. Typing like a neighbour-to-neighbour banter.”
Daneva, ”Lawyer? What does the law have to do with a country where the judiciary system is fucked up and oppressed? Citizens don’t have a right in this country.
”The police, politicians, and judges—90% of you all are dishonest and lack empathy. I’m just a young man trying to survive, but your men won’t stop harassing the hell out of me, but guess what? I fight back always.
”What about those who have no voice? I hate you all with all of me. I hate that karma isn’t real, you all should have being begging for death. You all are the devil the bible talked about, hell won’t struggle to find a devil as replacement cause the Nigeria police would perfectly fit in.”
Kunmi Adelokiki, ”Even with the best lawyer & a court ruling in your favour, the Nigerian police and their allies may still defy it, refusing to grant bail or acting contrary to the order. Address that first, & we can get back to this.”
