SENATOR NATASHA ALLEGES POLICE COMMISSIONER IGNORED VIDEO EVIDENCE OF OFFICERS WORKING WITH CRIMINALS

SENATOR NATASHA ALLEGES POLICE COMMISSIONER IGNORED VIDEO EVIDENCE OF OFFICERS WORKING WITH CRIMINALS
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‎E-ISSN: 2354-4481
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‎By Maduka Sarah Chika
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‎ABUJA, Nigeria — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has alleged that a former Commissioner of Police in Kogi State failed to act after she submitted video evidence allegedly showing police officers collaborating with known criminals.
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‎Speaking during a recent national discussion on the proposed establishment of state police, the senator claimed she personally presented the video footage to the Commissioner of Police, expecting a formal investigation into the conduct of the officers.
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‎According to her, rather than ordering an inquiry or disciplinary action, the police commissioner allegedly dismissed the complaint and advised her to "recruit your own thugs too, to balance power."
‎The senator said the alleged response highlighted deep institutional challenges within Nigeria's policing system and underscored the need for reforms that prioritise accountability over political influence.
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‎The Nigeria Police Force has not publicly responded to the allegation, and there is no indication that any investigation was launched into the specific claims.

‎The allegation emerged during the ongoing national debate over the creation of state police as part of the constitutional amendment process.
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‎Although Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed support for decentralised policing, she warned that any state police structure must include strong constitutional safeguards to prevent abuse by politicians and ensure independent oversight.
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‎She argued that changing the policing structure alone would not solve insecurity unless those responsible for enforcing the law remained committed to professionalism, patriotism and the rule of law.
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‎Security Experts Call for Accountability
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‎Security analysts say the senator's allegation, if proven, reinforces the urgent need for stronger internal accountability mechanisms within the Nigeria Police Force.
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‎They argue that complaints involving alleged police collaboration with criminal elements should be independently investigated, while officers found culpable should face prosecution to restore public confidence in law enforcement.
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‎Several analysts also maintain that any future state police system must incorporate independent oversight bodies capable of investigating misconduct without political interference.
‎Human Rights Activists React
‎Human rights advocates have described the allegation as disturbing and have called for an impartial investigation.
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‎Groups advocating police reforms insist that allegations involving security personnel and criminal collaboration must never be ignored, warning that public trust in law enforcement depends on transparency and accountability.
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‎Rights campaigners further argue that regardless of whether Nigeria adopts state police or retains the current federal policing structure, strong oversight, civilian complaint mechanisms and respect for the rule of law remain essential to preventing abuse.
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‎The allegation has also generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians drawing connections between the senator's experience and the wider debate on state policing. While some users argue the incident demonstrates the dangers of political influence over security agencies, others insist it reflects broader institutional weaknesses that require comprehensive police reform rather than structural changes alone.
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