Former NBA Chairman Bayo Akinlade calls out the unethical collusion between lawyers and police in Nigeria, citing the unlawful detention of Engineer Muyiwa Saanumi over a civil dispute. Former NBA Chairman Raises Alarm Over Legal System Exploitation The former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikorodu Branch, Mr. Bayo Akinlade, has expressed deep concern over the increasing collaboration between lawyers and the police in violating citizens’ fundamental rights. Highlighting a recent case involving Engineer Muyiwa Saanumi, Akinlade criticized the misuse of legal and law enforcement processes, which he claims are being weaponized to oppress individuals rather than uphold justice. Engineer Detained Over Civil Dispute According to reports, Engineer Muyiwa Saanumi has been unlawfully detained for over two weeks at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, following his arrest on January 16, 2025. The arrest was based on a petition filed by Mrs. Olubusola Akinbiyi, Deputy General Manager at the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSDPC), in connection to a ₦100 million loan dispute—a matter that is purely civil in nature. Akinlade emphasized that Saanumi’s prolonged detention violates legal provisions that mandate a suspect’s right to bail or timely arraignment. Legal Abuse and Alleged Extortion Attempts Saanumi’s lawyer, E. Ayo, has made several attempts to secure his release, but these have been unsuccessful. There are allegations that the complainant and her lawyer are demanding a substantial repayment before agreeing to his bail conditions. “This is a serious abuse of legal procedures and a clear attempt to use law enforcement for private financial disputes,” Akinlade remarked. He further condemned this act as a gross violation of professional ethics, warning that such misconduct by lawyers and law enforcement officers damages the credibility of the justice system. Call for NBA Intervention and Disciplinary Actions To address the issue, Akinlade is urging the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) to investigate this troubling case. He stressed that if such practices are not checked, they will undermine the rule of law and further weaken public trust in the legal system. The NBA, he insisted, must take immediate and decisive action to curb these unethical practices and ensure that lawyers remain committed to protecting citizens’ rights rather than enabling police misconduct. Key Takeaways READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Shola Balogun, a Nigerian-British officer from Bromley Police Station, was fired by the UK’s Metropolitan Police Service after reportedly biting a coworker at a birthday celebration in Bexleyheath, Kent. Senior officer Christopher McKay presided over the disciplinary hearing, which took place from October 21–23, 2024. The panel included Assessor-Detective Superintendent Kirsty Mead and IPM Amanda Harvey. The event happened on April 22, 2022, at Goals Sports Bar during a 40th birthday celebration that was attended by about 70 people. READ ALSO The hearing document states that the victim and Balogun, who are both employed at Bromley Police Station, had previously joked about but kept up a cordial working relationship. But according to reports, there was an altercation at the party when Balogun allegedly took the victim’s glasses and then bit him. after a fierce argument, on his face. Medical records verified that the victim had been bitten, despite Balogun’s denial that he had done so and his assertion that the spectacles had been removed by accident. According to the College of Policing Code of Ethics, which places a strong emphasis on upholding public trust, the panel determined that Balogun’s conduct were against police standards, specifically Discreditable Conduct. Despite glowing character recommendations from coworkers, including his inspector, the panel decided that Balogun should be fired immediately due to his prior disciplinary record and the gravity of the occurrence. According to the panel, “Dismissal Without Notice is the only appropriate and proportionate outcome in this case.” “The Panel keeps in mind what Lord Justice Maurice Kay said in the famous Salter v. Chief Constable case.” after a fierce argument, on his face. Medical records verified that the victim had been bitten, despite Balogun’s denial that he had done so and his assertion that the spectacles had been removed by accident. According to the College of Policing Code of Ethics, which places a strong emphasis on upholding public trust, the panel determined that Balogun’s conduct were against police standards, specifically Discreditable Conduct. Despite glowing character recommendations from coworkers, including his inspector, the panel decided that Balogun should be fired immediately due to his prior disciplinary record and the gravity of the occurrence. According to the panel, “Dismissal Without Notice is the only appropriate and proportionate outcome in this case.” “The Panel keeps in mind what Lord Justice Maurice Kay said in the famous Salter v. Chief Constable case.”
