NCJ Number
146296
Journal
Crime, Law and Social Change Volume: 20 Issue: 3 Dated: (October 1993) Pages: 187-219
Date Published
1993
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This paper investigates the colonial origin of policing in Nigeria against the background of a legitimation crisis confronted by colonial and postcolonial states in the country, highlights features of policing in Nigeria since colonial domination, and explores the impact of political and socioeconomic dynamics on policing.
Abstract
Police forces established in Nigeria since British colonial rule have consistently been repressive, corrupt, and efficient. Police brutality and oppression have resulted more from Nigeria's legacy of political authoritarianism and social exploitation than from the personal inadequacies of police officers. Police and security agencies continue to be used in a way that stifles democracy and impedes social justice. The following recommendations are made to reform Nigeria's police system: professionalize and humanize police training and work; ensure that substantive aspects of criminal law are fair and just; guarantee equal legal representation for all citizens; develop community-based justice and community tribunals for adjudication, mediation, and conciliation; establish popular control over lawmaking, law enforcement, and the administration of penal and treatment sanctions; unionize police officers; and drastically reduce or eliminate socioeconomic and political pressures that lead to the oppressive use of police force. 59 references and 6 notes