- Kemi Badenoch, a figure unafraid to clash with Nigeria’s political heavyweights, unleashed a searing critique of the Nigerian police, painting a vivid picture of a system that has left her with bitter memories.
- In a conversation about her trust—or lack thereof—in the British police, she boldly turned the spotlight on Nigeria, drawing unflinching comparisons between the two nations’ law enforcement institutions
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, has launched a blistering critique of the Nigerian Police, accused them of preying on the very citizens they are sworn to protect.
During a gripping interview with a UK journalist, Badenoch painted a damning portrait of law enforcement in Nigeria—a force she described as driven by hunger, emboldened by weapons, and enabled by systemic poverty.
When asked whether she trusted the UK police, Badenoch’s response was both candid and illuminating. She praised the British police for their professionalism and integrity, citing instances where their intervention had restored her faith in public service.
Drawing from a personal incident, Kemi Badenoch recounted how Nigerian police officers robbed her brother of his shoes, his watch, and their belongings in a brazen display of corruption and impunity.
She contrasted this bitter experience with the professionalism of the British police, recounted how they once came to her aid in a moment of crisis.
When the British journalist asked her if she trusted the UK police, she said;
“I do. My experience with the Nigeria Police was very negative. Coming to the UK, my experience with the British Police was very positive.
“The police in Nigeria will rob us (laughter). 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.”
Kemi continued:
“It’s a very poor country. People do all sorts of things. So, giving people a gun is just a license to intimidate. But that’s not just the problem.
“That is not the bar we should use for the British Police. When I was burgled, for example, the police were there. They were helpful before they eventually caught the person. This was in 2004, that was 20 years ago.”
WATCH HER SPEAK IN CLIP BELOW
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