Muslim groups seek genuine reform of police, end to brutality

To ensure a better society where citizens feel safe, some Islamic organisations have expressed displeasure at the frequent brutality and harassment by the officers of the Nigeria police, urging the Federal Government to urgently initiate true reform of the security outfit.

The groups, including The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Muslims Right Concern (MURIC), The Muslim Congress (TMC), among others, enjoined government to meet the demands of the protesters and create a society where peace and justice shall reign.

The Ameer (President), TMC, Luqman AbdurRaheem, in a statement, said: “The Nigeria Police must make the necessary changes that will birth an entire police system that is responsive and responsible and also meets the need of a people-oriented policing in line with 21st century realities regarding the protection of human rights and freedoms of the people.

“The Nigeria Police must go a step further to investigate and find solutions to the high-handedness and brutality among its personnel,” he stated.

MSSN Lagos State Area Unit, General Secretary, Jenmi AbdRaheem, said Nigerians have witnessed too many unwarranted arrests, compulsory demands for money from motorists and car owners at checkpoints, as well as torture and delays of the few who refused to comply, among others.

He said: “The MSSN Lagos condemns this in totality and despises all forms of brutality and inhuman attitude from our policemen”
He therefore called for police reform, reorientation and proper mannerism at all levels and called on the Federal Government to ensure better welfare for the entire police force in order to guarantee adequate and efficient service, free of bribery and other blemishing acts.”

Executive Chairman, MPAC, Disu Kamor, said along with taking a stand against police brutality, corruption and extra-judicial killings by the police, MPAC calls for honest, broad and serious actions from the government, particularly the legislative and the executive arms of our government, to turn the Nigerian Police Force into a professional, well-motivated and modern police outfit that would operate at a standard at par with best practices and at the service of all Nigerians.

However, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has cautioned hoodlums and politicians against hijacking the protest for their selfish and parochial agenda.

The Director, MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said: “MURIC therefore finds justification for Nigerian youths who participated in the #EndSARS protests.

“Nonetheless, we condemn the action of a few protesters who employed violence. The attack on the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso and the looting and destruction of parts of the palace are absolutely unjustifiable.

“We also appreciate the prompt action of the Federal Government and that of the Inspector General of Police who deemed it fit to disband SARS. We therefore appeal to protesters to disperse and go home.”