I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki, and today, I want to explore the intersection of Afe Babalola, Dele Farotimi’s arrest, and the colonial history that shaped the Nigeria Police Force. Understanding this connection is crucial to addressing the systemic issues that persist in our country today.
Why It’s Called the “Nigeria Police Force”
Have you ever wondered why we have the Nigeria Police Force and not the Nigerian Police? Unlike other institutions like the Nigerian Army or Nigerian Air Force, the police carry the word Force. This is no coincidence but a relic of colonial history.
The Nigeria Police Force was established in 1820, a full 12 years before the British Metropolitan Police in London. However, its purpose was vastly different. While the British police were set up to address rising criminality in London, the Nigeria Police Force was created by the British colonists to:
- Subdue Indigenous Societies
- Suppress Labor Unions
- Protect British Imperial Rule
- Safeguard the Interests of Colonial Companies
The Royal Niger Company, the precursor to modern UAC and Unilever, even had its constabulary force in Lokoja in 1888 to ensure the smooth exploitation of resources and labor. The police were never intended to serve or protect Nigerians; they were a tool of oppression.
A System That Has Barely Changed
The colonial legacy of the Nigeria Police Force is evident even today. Despite the passage of time and supposed independence, the structure and mentality of the police remain deeply rooted in its origins:
- The symbol of an elephant, signifying brute force, remains the emblem of the police.
- The use of the word Force underscores its original purpose: suppression, not service.
- The police are often used as private enforcers for the elite, rather than protectors of the masses.
This colonial mindset explains why the police are quick to protect the rich and powerful but slow—or outright unwilling—to serve ordinary Nigerians.
The Case of Dele Farotimi
Dele Farotimi’s arrest is a textbook example of how the elite wield the Nigeria Police Force to silence dissent. Allegedly at the behest of Afe Babalola, a prominent lawyer and influential figure, Farotimi was detained for speaking against the powers that be.
What happened?
- A Civil Case Escalated to Arrest: Allegations of defamation, a civil matter, were used as grounds to involve the police in what should have been resolved in court.
- Misuse of Power: The police acted like private agents, intimidating Farotimi and violating his rights.
- Historical Parallels: This behavior mirrors the colonial era when the police were used to enforce taxes, suppress protests, and protect the ruling class at the expense of the people.
The Judiciary: Still a Colonial Relic
The complicity of the judiciary in cases like this reflects its colonial roots. Many lawyers and judges in Nigeria today operate within a system designed to uphold elitist interests:
- The British-style robes and hoods remain a symbol of an era when justice served the empire, not the people.
- The judiciary, much like the police, is often inaccessible to the average Nigerian, favoring those with wealth and influence.
The Way Forward
For true change, Nigeria must confront and dismantle its colonial legacy in policing and justice. Here’s how:
- Rename and Reorganize the Police: Remove the word Force and rebrand the organization to reflect its role as a service to the people.
- Change the Emblem: Replace the elephant, a symbol of destruction and brute strength, with one that signifies peace, service, and protection.
- Retrain the Police: Shift the focus from colonial suppression to modern, community-oriented policing.
- Decolonize the Judiciary: Move away from British colonial traditions and create a justice system that prioritizes accessibility and fairness.
- Hold the Elite Accountable: No one, no matter how wealthy or influential, should be above the law.
A Warning to the Elite
History shows that oppression has a way of coming back to haunt the oppressor. The colonial masters who created this system eventually left, but their tools of oppression have been repurposed by Nigeria’s elite. Those who misuse the police and judiciary today should remember that no empire of injustice lasts forever.
A Message of Hope
To Dele Farotimi and others fighting for justice, remember this: the oppressors are mere mortals. History favors those who stand on the side of truth and justice. Oppression might seem powerful, but it always collapses under the weight of its own contradictions.
I remain your friend,
Dr. Charles Apoki
God bless you.
