By TEMITOPE MESEWONRUN
In the last few days, I have witnessed again the kind of policing that restores confidence in the Nigerian justice system. As a legal practitioner, I consider it important to publicly acknowledge institutions and leaders who uphold the rule of law without compromise.
On the evening of 1st December, 2025, I approached the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, over a disturbing kidnapping report that had unfortunately led to the arrest and detention of several innocent persons. Despite the late hour and his demanding schedule, the CP received me immediately, listened patiently, and ordered that all persons involved be brought before him without delay.
In less than ten minutes, seven individuals were presented. CP Lawal left his elevated seat, sat with us, and personally questioned each person, allowing them to speak freely, even in their own languages. After carefully listening, he directed the immediate and unconditional release of five innocent individuals, noting that they had no business being arrested in the first place. He then ordered thorough investigation only on those with credible suspicion.
All releases were carried out instantly, without a request for or acceptance of a single kobo.
These experiences remind us that the law is not dead, and that there are officers in the Nigerian Police Force who are deeply committed to justice, accountability, and public trust.
This is the policing Nigeria deserves.
This is not my first encounter with CP Adebowale Lawal’s professionalism. Months earlier, in a completely unrelated case involving a fraudulent iPhone transaction, the matter was mishandled at the divisional level. When I escalated it to the CP, he acted with remarkable clarity and fairness. He invited all parties, directed a fresh investigation by the Monitoring Unit, and ensured that the real culprits, including those hiding behind hotel staff and false identities, were exposed and held accountable. Innocent persons were protected; wrongdoing was punished. That is justice.
My positive experience with the Ondo State Police Command is not limited to the current administration. On January 7, 2025, I reported an assault on my person by a police officer. The then Commissioner, CP Abayomi Oladipo (now AIG), picked my call on the first ring and immediately instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Ajibade, to intervene. Their swift and professional handling of the matter led to an amicable resolution without further escalation.
The tradition of fairness that existed then is evidently being sustained, and strengthened, under CP Adebowale Lawal.
I am encouraged. These experiences remind us that the law is not dead, and that there are officers in the Nigerian Police Force who are deeply committed to justice, accountability, and public trust. CP Adebowale Lawal exemplifies this commitment. His leadership is firm, humane, and anchored on the principles that give life to our laws.
As a member of the Bar, I will continue to speak for justice and highlight institutions and leaders who do what is right. It is my hope that this level of professionalism becomes the standard across the country.
*Mesewonrun, a lawyer, writes from Ondo.
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