Deji Adeyanju, a rights activist and attorney based in Abuja, has called on the Nigeria Police Force to put public safety first and refrain from using the force as a means of pursuing personal grudges.

As he made the call, he denounced the detention of well-known activist VeryDarkMan.

He signed a statement in which he expressed how upsetting it was to see police power used improperly when it was supposed to serve and protect the community.

I vehemently oppose the police harassment of law-abiding citizens and the recent arrest of Very Dark Man.

“I really think that the prevention of crime and maintenance of public safety should take precedence over all other concerns for law enforcement. Participating in civil cases that don’t immediately endanger public safety wastes valuable resources and erodes public confidence in law enforcement.

“Every citizen, regardless of their background, deserves fair treatment and protection under the law. Very Dark Man’s arrest calls into serious doubt the police’s fairness and impartiality when dealing with members of underprivileged communities. Such acts have the potential to widen already-existing social gaps and damage public trust in the legal system.

I implore the police to reassess their goals and concentrate their energies on stopping crime, handling crises, and attending to the legitimate worries of the public. It is imperative that they implement community-oriented policing tactics that prioritize establishing positive relationships, encouraging inclusivity, and cultivating trust with the residents they serve.

Furthermore, I demand that the police look into the circumstances surrounding Very Dark Man’s arrest in a transparent and in-depth manner. According to him, it is crucial to make sure that the law is obeyed, that any possible wrongdoing or bias is found, and that it is dealt with appropriately.