By: Malik Bello Bayewuwon
Public criticism of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has resurfaced following allegations of brutality, corruption, and the suppression of lawful protests, with recent events in Ekpoma, Edo State, further intensifying national concern over police conduct and accountability.
Observers note that the NPF, constitutionally established to protect lives and property, is increasingly perceived by many Nigerians—especially youths—as an instrument of oppression rather than public service. Despite widespread calls for reform after the #EndSARS protests, critics argue that little has changed in the attitude and operations of the Force.
According to public commentators, the police are often accused of acting at the behest of political authorities, carrying out controversial actions without adequate regard for citizens’ rights. Allegations of extortion, unlawful arrests, intimidation, and abuse of power remain prevalent, contributing to deep mistrust between the police and the public.
While acknowledging that there are officers who perform their duties professionally, critics maintain that incidents involving misconduct appear to outweigh positive examples. This has reportedly made the NPF one of the most distrusted security institutions in the country. Many young Nigerians, in particular, express fear during encounters with police officers, citing frequent profiling and extortion.
Several personal accounts have fueled public anger. In one such case, a mobile photographer was allegedly arrested, detained, and extorted for photographing the Lagos Blue Rail, a public infrastructure. The incident raised questions about citizens’ rights, police training, and adherence to constitutional provisions on freedom of expression and movement.
Further controversy surrounds the case of Nnamdi Daniel Emeh, an IT consultant who reportedly served with the police Rapid Response Squad during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year. He allegedly exposed claims of extrajudicial killings, organ harvesting, extortion, and corruption involving senior officers. Following the disclosures, authorities reportedly detained him, accusing him of leaking “sensitive police information,” a move that sparked debate about transparency, whistleblowing, and accountability within the Force.
The most recent flashpoint occurred in Ekpoma, where students of Ambrose Alli University staged a protest over persistent kidnapping incidents around the school environment. The students complained of repeated abductions that have reportedly led to deaths, accusing security agencies of failing to adequately address the growing insecurity.
Instead of engaging the protesters or focusing on the kidnapping crisis, the police were accused of dispersing the students with teargas and live ammunition. Witnesses alleged that several students were later arrested during raids on hostels, with over 50 protesters reportedly charged to court in what critics described as a hurried and unlawful process.
Civil society groups and rights advocates have questioned the use of force against unarmed protesters, stressing that peaceful protest remains a constitutional right in Nigeria. They argue that responding to demonstrations with violence undermines democracy and further erodes public confidence in law enforcement.
Analysts warn that unless the Nigeria Police Force undergoes genuine reform, including improved training, accountability, and respect for human rights, tensions between citizens and the police may continue to escalate. Many insist that protests are not acts of hostility but expressions of civic responsibility aimed at improving governance, security, and even the police institution itself.
As calls for reform grow louder, stakeholders emphasize that a safer Nigeria would ultimately benefit both citizens and the police, urging the Force to realign with its constitutional mandate and restore its moral compass.
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