The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has approved the elevation of the Nigeria Police Force’s Legal Section to the Directorate of Legal Services.
The move is aimed at enhancing the institutional identity of the Force’s legal operations and improving coordination within domestic and international jurisdictions.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi explained that the new directorate will serve as the apex legal arm of the Nigeria Police Force, overseeing legal training, policy review, and structured engagements with prosecutorial bodies and the judiciary.
“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,” Adejobi said.
He added, “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.”
The statement further noted that the upgrade 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.”
The IGP also announced the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General Ohiozoba O. Ehiede as the pioneer Director of the Directorate of Legal Services. AIG Ehiede is expected to bring his wealth of experience and leadership to the role.
“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,” Adejobi quoted the IGP as saying.
The statement emphasized that the restructuring reflects the Police Force’s commitment to aligning its operations with global law enforcement standards.
“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 international best policing standards,” the statement added.