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The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Eti-Osa Branch today paid a courtesy visit to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Langbasa Police Station, Ajah, Lagos, CSP Umar Ali Jada. The interactive visit aimed to strengthen the collaboration between the police and the NBA Eti-Osa Branch for the communal interest and to foster a smooth mutual relationship between lawyers and the police within Eti-Osa Local Government Area and beyond.
Thia was disclosed in a statement signed by the NBA Eti-Osa Branch, publicity Secretary, Makinde Akeem Olasunkanmi.
“This meeting follows the branch’s commitment to engage with all police stations and formations in the area. The first step in this direction was taken when the branch executives, alongside some members, visited the Area J Commander for similar discussions.
During today’s visit, the reception was warm, and CSP Umar Ali Jada expressed his appreciation for the NBA Eti-Osa Branch’s proactive engagement. Several issues concerning the community of Langbasa and its surroundings were brought to the fore, highlighting pressing and disturbing matters. The DPO identified drug abuse and theft as the most prevalent crimes in the neighborhood, noting that these issues are often interconnected, as many offenders resort to stealing to fund their drug habits. This cycle, unfortunately, leads to premature deaths among those involved.
The discussion, which initially focused on fostering mutual respect between lawyers and the police, expanded to include instances of police challenges with the military. The DPO shared how he had successfully managed situations that could have escalated into serious conflicts between the police and the larger society.
When asked by the Branch Chairman, Mr. M.M.A. Sanni, about the age range of the offenders, CSP Umar Ali Jada responded that the suspects typically fall between the ages of 20 and 35, implying that they are adults making informed decisions about their criminal activities. The DPO expressed concern that, if left unchecked, drug addiction could compromise the future leadership of the country, pointing out that many of the drug addicts are highly educated individuals who began abusing substances during their university years. He added that some private universities in Nigeria have become safe havens for drug users.
The NBA Eti-Osa Branch remains committed to working hand-in-hand with security agencies for the betterment of Eti-Osa and the larger society.