Reform Or Retreat? Police Brutality And Human Rights Violations Persist

On December 10, 2024, Nigeria joined the world in celebrating International Human Rights Day. However, the country’s police force continues to face scrutiny over human rights violations despite efforts to improve professionalism. Recent incidents, including a video showing police officers…READ MORE…

in Enugu State assaulting a bus driver, highlight ongoing concerns about police brutality.

In the viral video, officers were seen stopping the driver, who was transporting students from a missionary school. The situation escalated as the officers kicked and dragged the driver away from the checkpoint. The driver, who had greeted the officers before being stopped, was beaten after being asked for vehicle papers. Passengers in the vehicle expressed shock at the police’s actions, suggesting that the officers were demanding money.

The police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, condemned the assault and called for immediate action, while the Enugu State Police Command confirmed an investigation was underway. This is just one of many reported incidents, including cases of torture, unlawful killings, and extortion.

Human rights groups, like the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), have raised concerns about police actions. Earlier this year, CRRAN filed a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) over the torture of five individuals by police officers in Enugu. The petition called for swift legal action, especially against officers suspected of committing these offenses.

Despite the continuous criticism, the Nigeria Police Force claims to be making efforts to improve. On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, Professor Anthony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, stated that the Commission receives over two million complaints annually related to human rights abuses in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of making citizens aware of their rights while acknowledging the Commission’s limited resources.

The Nigeria Police Act of 2020, which was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari, was intended to modernize the police force, enhance public trust, and enforce human rights. The Act outlines provisions for the humane treatment of detainees, proper conduct during arrests, and the use of force. However, critics argue that enforcement remains weak, pointing to continued incidents of police misconduct.

Legal experts have highlighted gaps in the Act, particularly regarding transparency and accountability. The Act calls for electronic recording of interrogations, but many police stations lack the necessary facilities. Furthermore, concerns persist about the police’s tendency to engage in profiling based on appearance or behavior.

The IGP continues to stress the importance of ethical conduct and professionalism, but as history shows, reform efforts have faced significant challenges. With ongoing violations and public dissatisfaction, the path to true reform remains uncertain.

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