The ongoing police brutality against innocent citizens in Nigeria seems unlikely to cease, as officers of the Nigerian Police Force continue to feel entitled to illegally intimidate the very people they are meant to protect, doing so without any legitimate justification and in blatant violation of the country’s constitution.
The constitutional protections for human rights have been repeatedly violated by these officers, who display an alarming tendency towards aggression.
Two weeks ago, Hon. Dr. Deji Mike Adebayo, a resident of Abuja, shared a viral video detailing an assault by officers at the Mabushi Outpost in the Abuja metropolis. In the video, Dr. Deji, the FCT chairman of the Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO), could be seen questioning the police about the reasons behind his beating, insisting he deserved an explanation. The officers, unrestrained, provocatively taunted him to take his grievances to the presidency if he wished.
The youth leader recounted, “During the entire act of harassment, I attempted to identify myself, and one officer told me, ‘You could be President Tinubu for all we care; if you keep talking, I will shoot you.'”
“I was merely trying to locate my address using Google Maps when suddenly there was a gunshot that shocked both me and my friend. We exited the car and were ordered to raise our hands, which we did. Before we could utter a word, one officer slapped me and another tackled me to the ground. I have no idea what offence I committed, nor did they inform me.”
“I intend to take this matter to the presidency. Perhaps then they will disclose my alleged offence and put an end to the brutality endured by innocent citizens at the hands of the police. This incident occurred right here in the federal capital territory; imagine if it had happened in a remote or isolated area.”
