Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Zyad Ibn Isah has responded to Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, after she accused the Nigerian Police Force of theft.
Badenoch, formerly known as Kemi Adegoke before marrying a Scottish banker, has been making negative remarks about Nigeria since taking on the leadership role in the UK’s main opposition party.
In an interview with The Free Press, Badenoch criticized the Nigerian police, contrasting them unfavorably with the British police force. She recounted a negative personal experience with the Nigerian police, alleging that they had stolen from her family members. However, she praised the professionalism of the British police during a separate incident.
In a social media post, Isah acknowledged that the Nigerian Police Force is not without its flaws but pointed out that reforms similar to those implemented in Britain could lead to improvements. He cited the transformation of the London Metropolitan Police from a troubled institution in past decades to a more respected force today as an example of how change is possible.
Isah recommended a book to Badenoch, urging her to consider the historical context of policing in the UK before making sweeping judgments about the state of law enforcement in Nigeria. He expressed confidence that Nigeria, like the UK, could overcome its challenges and emerge stronger in the future.
