Leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has accused the Nigerian police of robbing citizens instead of protecting them, as reported by The Niche.
Kemi Badenoch, the newly appointed leader of the UK opposition Conservative Party, has made a bold statement about her negative experiences with the Nigerian police.
In a recent interview with a British journalist, she criticized the Nigerian police force, claiming they rob citizens instead of fulfilling their duty to protect them.
When asked whether she trusted the UK police, Badenoch replied affirmatively, contrasting her experiences with law enforcement in both countries.
She shared a personal story, stating, “I do. My experience with the Nigerian Police was very negative. Coming to the UK, my experience with the British Police was very positive.”
Badenoch recalled an incident from her time in Nigeria that left a lasting impression.
“The police in Nigeria will rob us,” she said, laughing. “When people say I have this bad experience with the police because I’m black, I say well…I remember the police stole my brother’s shoe and his watch.”
The journalist, clearly taken aback, responded in disbelief, prompting Badenoch to elaborate further. “It’s a very poor country. People do all sorts of things,” she explained.
“So, giving people a gun is just a license to intimidate.” She emphasized that such behavior from law enforcement was a direct result of the country’s poverty, which leads some individuals to resort to corrupt practices.
Badenoch made it clear, however, that she did not believe this should be the standard by which British police should be judged.
Recalling a separate incident where her home was burglarized in 2004, she highlighted the positive role the British police played.
“When I was burgled, for example, the police were there. They were helpful before they eventually caught the person,” she said, noting that this occurred nearly 20 years ago.