The issue of police brutality in Nigeria has once again come to the fore following a disturbing incident involving Hon. (Dr.) Deji Mike Adebayo, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chairman of the Nigeria Youth Organization (NYO). A viral video circulating online shows Dr. Adebayo recounting his harrowing ordeal at the hands of officers from the Mabushi Police Outpost in Abuja.
Dr. Adebayo revealed that while trying to locate an address using Google Maps, he was accosted by police officers who fired a gunshot, startling him and his companion. They were then ordered to exit their vehicle and raise their hands. Despite complying, the officers reportedly assaulted him, slapping and punching his face before pinning him to the ground.
In his video, the youth leader expressed shock over the unprovoked assault, stating, “I tried to introduce myself, but one of the officers retorted, ‘If you like, be President Tinubu, we don’t care. If you keep talking, I’ll shoot you.’”
Dr. Adebayo also noted that the officers taunted him to report the incident to higher authorities, demonstrating a blatant disregard for accountability. “This happened here in the federal capital territory. Imagine if it occurred in an isolated area or close to a bush,” he lamented.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about the abuse of power by members of the Nigerian Police Force and their disregard for constitutional provisions on human rights.
Dr. Adebayo has vowed to escalate the matter to the presidency, calling for urgent reforms to curb police brutality and ensure the protection of innocent citizens. His case adds to the growing list of complaints against the police, further underscoring the need for systemic changes within the force.
The issue of police brutality will keep reoccurring! As it stands, their brutality to the citizens will keep increasing as the day go by. It’s from Top to Bottom. The late M.K O Abiola once told us that if the ” head of a fish is rotten, you can imagine, qhat happens to the body “. It’s quite unfortunate and they will tell the police is your friend??????