Enough Is Enough: Stop the Harassment of Young Nigerians – Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo Writes IGP Disu

Dear Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu

I write with deep concern and disappointment over the alleged harassment, intimidation and unnecessary humiliation of young Nigerians by some officers of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly those who target young men simply because they are driving cars or living within their means.

After years of public assurances that our police officers are being properly trained and retrained to understand the difference between lawful policing and harassment, Nigerians expected a significant improvement in police conduct. Sadly, ongoing reports and experiences from young Nigerians tell a different story.

The Nigeria Police Force was established to protect lives and property, prevent crime, maintain law and order, and uphold citizens’ rights. It must never become an institution where innocent citizens are treated as criminals merely because of their appearance, age, occupation or the vehicle they drive.

A young Nigerian driving a car is not automatically a criminal. Having a good phone, dressing well, owning a vehicle or moving around at odd hours should not constitute reasonable grounds for intimidation, extortion, unlawful searches or harassment.

Mr Inspector-General, Nigerians are watching.

We acknowledge the enormous responsibilities placed on the police, and we appreciate officers who genuinely risk their lives to protect citizens. However, the misconduct of a few officers can destroy the confidence that millions of Nigerians have in the entire institution.

We therefore call on the IGP to strengthen internal accountability, proper supervision and human-rights-based training for officers across the country. Officers who abuse their powers should be investigated and appropriately sanctioned, irrespective of their rank.

Police authority must be exercised within the law. A uniform is not a licence to intimidate citizens. A police weapon is not a licence to abuse power. And being a police officer does not place anyone above the law.

Nigerians deserve a police force they can approach for protection, not one they fear.

We appeal to the Inspector-General of Police to urgently address this disturbing trend and restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

Enough of these barbaric acts. Enough of unnecessary harassment. Enough of treating innocent young Nigerians as suspects simply because they own cars or appear successful.*

The Nigerian people deserve dignity, justice, protection and respect for their fundamental rights.

Let the police protect the people, not persecute them.

OTUNBA DR. BABATUNDE OLUSHOLA SENBANJO (BOS)