Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Zyad Isah has criticised leader of the UK Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch for her recent remarks about the Nigeria Police Force.
Mrs Badenoch, in an interview with The Free Press, accused the Nigerian police of theft, recounting an incident where officers allegedly stole her brother’s shoes and watch. She contrasted this with her positive experience with the British police, describing Nigerian law enforcement as corrupt and unprofessional.
Responding via social media on Sunday, Isah, who is also the media aide to the Police Service Commission (PSC) chairman Hashimu Argungu, acknowledged the Nigerian police’s imperfections but highlighted that reforms, like those undertaken by the UK’s Metropolitan Police, could lead to significant improvements.
He wrote, “I would recommend David Rose’s ‘In the Name of the Law’ to Kemi Badenoch. The truth is, the London Metropolitan Police was a mess in the 1960s, 1970s, and even the 1980s. It was through various reforms and even a change of name that they became what they are today.
“If the questioner had asked a British citizen in the 1960s or 1970s whether they trusted the British police, I doubt they would have said yes. The situation was that bad.
“Nigeria and its police force are not perfect—we know that. But we will rise from the ashes, just like the UK and its police force.”
Isah also accused Badenoch of unfairly disparaging Nigeria, adding, “Aunty Kemi should enjoy her new pastime of denigrating her fatherland while it lasts.”
