Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative YSAD has come out to strongly condemn the actions and inactions of the leadership of the Nigerian Police Force in response to the involvement of her officers and men in extortion and other vices on Nigerian roads.
A press release signed by Comrade Obinna Nwagbara , Executive Director YSAD reads: “Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD) strongly criticizes the apparent absence of a sincere dedication within the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to resolving the widespread problem of extortion and other unprofessional behaviors exhibited by its personnel on Nigerian roads. The NPF’s responses are primarily reactive and image-conscious, rather than proactive and preventative.
The recent incident in Edo State, where six police officers were caught on camera extorting road users, is a prime example of this performative action. As expected, the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force has responded, by arresting the perpetrators. While acknowledging the subsequent arrest of the officers involved, YSAD maintains that such swift responses are only triggered when evidence of misconduct surfaces publicly, often at considerable risk to the citizen recording the event.
“The leadership of the Nigeria Police Force is, in our view, merely playing to the gallery,” stated Obinna Nwagbara, the executive director of YSAD. “The leadership of the Police in Nigeria is aware of the systematic extortion and abuse taking place on our roads, yet consistently fail to implement effective measures to prevent these violations.
Their responses are invariably reactionary, designed to manage public perception rather than genuinely address the root causes of the problem.”
YSAD emphasizes the inherent risks associated with citizens recording police misconduct and calls for a more proactive and preventative approach to upholding the law.
Through its campaign, “No Dey Give; Follow Traffic Rules,” YSAD has been raising awareness about these issues of harassment, assault, and extortion perpetrated by law enforcement agents, simultaneously championing the protection of citizens’ rights against such abuse and encouraging motorists to obey traffic rules. Despite these efforts, YSAD expresses concern regarding the lack of prioritization afforded to this crucial issue by the leadership of law enforcement agencies and the federal government of Nigeria.
The integrity of the state hinges upon the proper conduct of its law enforcement agencies, including the police, military, and allied entities. Therefore, robust accountability mechanisms are paramount. YSAD respectfully calls upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly to initiate immediate and decisive action.
We urge the federal government to mandate the swift implementation of effective strategies by all relevant agency heads to eliminate the systemic harassment, brutality, and extortion targeting road users by law enforcement agents in Nigeria.
Furthermore, to guarantee compliance and promote responsible governance, failure to demonstrably address these violations within their respective agencies should necessitate the removal of the responsible leadership. Such a provision would propel proactive oversight and fidelity to the principles of justice and the rule of law. YSAD remains committed to advocating for a more just and accountable system of law enforcement in Nigeria and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
About Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD):
The Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting active citizenship, youth empowerment, good governance, and sustainable development in Nigeria
