Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has accused the Nigeria Police of enforcing measures that are not grounded in law, raising concerns about citizen–police relations in the country. He made the claim on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.
Sowore stressed that policing should focus on protecting citizens, rather than creating adversarial relationships. He argued that the conduct of the Nigeria Police has deep historical roots, tracing back to the colonial era, which he says continues to influence how the force interacts with the public.
“First thing is that we should call it the Nigeria Police Department and not a Force, because some of their activities and the adversarial relationship with citizens are rooted in their colonial-era origins,” Sowore said. He emphasized that a shift in mindset and approach is necessary to ensure the police serve the people effectively.
The activist called for reforms to align policing with democratic principles, urging authorities to prioritize the protection of human rights and civil liberties in all operations.
Sowore’s comments highlight ongoing debates about police accountability and the need for structural changes to foster trust between law enforcement agencies and Nigerian citizens.
Sowore Accuses Nigeria Police of Enforcing What Is Not Law
