IG Upgrades Police Legal Unit to Directorate
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has approved the elevation of the Nigeria Police Force’s Legal Section to the Directorate of Legal Services, as part of ongoing strategic reforms to strengthen institutional capacity and improve operational efficiency across the Force.
The newly created Directorate, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, will serve as the apex legal arm of the Police, overseeing the coordination and delivery of legal services. Its functions will include legal training, policy review, and structured engagement with prosecutorial bodies, the judiciary, and other key stakeholders in the justice sector.
Egbetokun said the upgrade was aimed at creating a clear institutional identity for the Force’s legal operations, fostering cohesion, and securing recognition within both domestic and international jurisdictions.
To head the Directorate, the IGP appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ohiozoba O. Ehiede, psc (+), as the pioneer Director. AIG Ehiede, the statement noted, brings vast experience, proven leadership skills, and a distinguished record of service, which are expected to drive the Directorate’s mandate.
The Force spokesman explained that the reform reflects the Police leadership’s renewed commitment to aligning its operations with global law enforcement standards and ensuring that legal processes meet the highest levels of professionalism, transparency, and efficiency.
“With the consolidation of its legal structures under a directorate framework, the Nigeria Police Force aims to enhance its prosecutorial capacity and strengthen justice delivery in line with international best practices,” Adejobi said.
The Inspector-General urged all police officers, particularly those in the legal cadre, to support the Directorate in improving prosecutorial success rates, advancing justice delivery, and boosting public confidence in police operations.
