Addressing Fatal Police-Motorist Struggles: Urgent Legislative Action to Protect Nigerian Road Users
Working Paper
The growing misconduct of law enforcement agents especially, police officers on the line of duty has resulted in the death of several Nigerians and public loss of trust in the Nigeria Police Force to effectively safeguard their lives and property. The 2020 #Endsars protest that threatened the peace and stability of the country was a result of police brutality and misconduct. The recent tragic incident in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Imo State, where 18-year-old Kasarachi Oduoma lost her life due to a struggle between policemen and a motorist over vehicle control, emphasises a critical issue within our law enforcement practices. This event is not isolated; similar occurrences have been reported across Nigeria, leading to loss of lives and public unrest. This brief x-rays the issue raised above and notes that it is imperative for the National Assembly to address this pressing concern to prevent further tragedies and restore public confidence in our law enforcement agencies by noting the following recommendations: i. Move a motion of urgent public importance to address the dangers pose by law enforcement officers and regulatory agency officials engaging in physical struggles with motorists over vehicle control; ii. Amend the relevant laws guiding the conduct of security agencies to include provisions that criminalize such conduct, with stipulated penalties ranging from dismissal from service to criminal prosecution and probably retraining; iii. Advise law enforcement agencies to demand compliance from officers found guilty of such misconduct, including demotions, suspension, retraining, or termination; and iv. Urge the Management of law enforcement agencies to partner with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to conduct public awareness campaigns educating officers and the general public on appropriate conduct during traffic stops and engagements.