Omoyele Sowore accuses the Nigeria Police of enforcing what is not law, urging reform to focus on citizen protection and reshape policing culture in the country

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has criticized the Nigeria Police for enforcing what he claims is “not law” in the country.

The activist spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ on February 25, 2026, highlighting concerns about citizen–police relations.

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Sowore emphasized that policing should prioritize protecting citizens, rather than merely enforcing rules without public interest. He stated:

“Policing should be about ensuring the protection of citizens in the country. The Nigeria Police have an interest only in enforcing laws and even enforcing what is not law.”

He further argued that the police force, which he suggests should be called the Nigeria Police Department rather than a “force,” retains adversarial practices rooted in the colonial era.

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Sowore urged top police officials to reform the organization’s culture, noting that the “DNA of the police” should focus first on safeguarding the populace.