In an interview with The Free Press, which gained widespread attention on Saturday, British Conservative Party leader and Business Secretary, Kemi Badenoch reflected on her negative experiences with the Nigerian Police in contrast with law enforcement in the United Kingdom, when asked whether she trusted the British police.
“I do. My experience with the police in Nigeria was very negative, and coming to the UK, my first experience with the police was very positive,” she said.
Recalling incidents from her time in Nigeria, Badenoch described how corruption within the police force affected her family. “The police in Nigeria would rob us. I remember the police stealing my brother’s shoes and his watch. It’s a very poor country, so people do all sorts of things,” she explained.
Her comments underline the systemic challenges faced by law enforcement in Nigeria, including widespread corruption and inadequate resources, which have long plagued the country’s policing system.
Badenoch’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about her identity and political positioning. In a recent interview with British media, she was quoted as saying, “I’m Yoruba; I’ve nothing in common with Northern Nigeria,” sparking debate about the intersection of ethnicity and identity in her narrative.
A prominent figure in UK politics, Badenoch often references her Nigerian roots while addressing her journey from growing up in Nigeria to becoming a senior government official in the UK. However, her recent comments have reignited conversations about the challenges of governance, cultural divisions, and systemic issues in Nigeria.
As Nigeria continues to face calls for police reform and accountability, Badenoch’s reflections serve as a reminder of the lived experiences of many citizens who encounter abuse of power and corruption within the system.
Meanwhile, her contrasting views on British law enforcement highlight her broader message about the role of functional institutions in building trust between governments and the people they serve.
By Saifullahi Muhammad
