The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has given approval for the transformation of the Legal Section of the Nigeria Police Force into a full-fledged Directorate of Legal Services.
This significant development is part of broader reforms aimed at giving the Force’s legal arm a more defined structure and boosting its operational recognition both within Nigeria and internationally.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the newly created directorate will now serve as the highest legal authority within the police.
He explained that, “The Directorate will serve as the apex legal arm of the Nigeria Police Force, responsible for the coordination and delivery of legal services, including legal training, comprehensive policy review.and structured engagement with prosecutorial bodies, the judiciary, and other relevant stakeholders in the justice sector.”
Adejobi also emphasized that the decision aligns with ongoing institutional reforms, stating, “In line with the ongoing strategic reforms aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing operational efficiency across all departments of the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police has approved the elevation of the Legal Section of the Force to the Directorate of Legal Services.”
According to him, the move is strategic in reinforcing the Force’s legal foundation.
“The move is designed to create a clear institutional identity for the Force’s legal operations, strengthen cohesion, and secure recognition across both domestic and international jurisdictions.”
To lead the newly established directorate, the Inspector-General has appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ohiozoba O. Ehiede, as its pioneer director.
“AIG Ehiede brings with him a wealth of experience, proven leadership, and a distinguished record of service, which are expected to drive the Directorate’s mandate with excellence,” the statement added.
The IG believes this upgrade will set the stage for more professional and globally compliant legal standards within the Police.
“This upgrade reflects the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed commitment to aligning its operations with global law enforcement standards and ensuring that legal processes within the Force meet the highest levels of professionalism, transparency, and efficiency. By consolidating its legal structures under a directorate framework, the Force aims to improve its prosecutorial prowess to meet the international best policing standards,” the statement concluded.
