Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has emphasized the need for well-defined policies to guide the implementation of the state police system in Nigeria. Speaking on Channels Television’s program ‘Inside Sources With Laolu Akande,’ Falana justified the creation of state police but stressed the importance of refining policies to ensure accountability and prevent abuse of power.
Highlighting the prevalent insecurity plaguing Nigeria, Falana underscored the urgency of addressing the country’s security challenges. Recent incidents, such as the invasion of communities in Kogi State and the abduction of pupils in Kaduna State, underscore the severity of the situation.
While acknowledging the calls by state governors for the establishment of state police as a means to enhance security, Falana cautioned against potential misuse of power by certain governors. He emphasized the need to prevent state police from becoming tools of oppression, drawing attention to existing concerns regarding the abuse of power by federal police.
Falana pointed out the decentralization of security arrangements already in place across various communities, citing the proliferation of armed private security outfits. He urged for careful consideration and strict oversight to ensure that the introduction of state police does not exacerbate existing issues of intimidation and oppression.
Notably, several states have already established their own security outfits, including the Civilian Joint Task Force in Borno State, Amotekun Corps in the South-West, Ebube Agu in the South-East, and others. However, Falana’s call for caution underscores the importance of implementing state police reforms with a focus on transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.