British Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch has shared a negative experience with the Nigerian police, comparing it unfavourably to her interactions with police in the United Kingdom.
Tribune Online reports that Vice President Kashim Shettima recently slammed Kemi Badenoch for denigrating Nigeria in her recent interviews with British media.
In a now-viral interview with The Free Press, Badenoch described an incident where Nigerian police allegedly stole her brother’s shoes and watch.
She attributed such behaviour to the country’s struggles with poverty, suggesting that giving law enforcement officers firearms in such conditions can lead to intimidation and abuse of power.
Badenoch contrasted this with her experience in the UK, highlighting an incident in 2004 when British police responded to a burglary at her home.
She praised British police for their professionalism and effectiveness, noting that they provided support and eventually caught the suspect.
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When the British journalist asked if she trusted the UK police, she said, “I do. My experience with the Nigeria Police was very negative. Coming to the UK, my experience with the British Police was very positive.
“The police in Nigeria will rob us (laughter). When people say I have this bad experience with the police because I’m black, I say well…I remember the police stole my brother’s shoe and his watch.”
“It’s a very poor country. People do all sorts of things. So, giving people a gun is just a license to intimidate. But that’s not just the problem.
“That is not the bar we should use for the British Police. When I was burgled, for example, the police were there. They were helpful before they eventually caught the person. This was in 2004, that was 20 years ago.”