Agbowa Police Corruption, My Faith In Nigeria And The Security Agencies Remain Unshaken

You would have thought that for life, Ms Olivia Afun would hate the Nigeria police with a passion, given the sad experience of extortion and intimidation that she went through in their hands at the Agbowa Division, in Lagos.

But instead, the young lady has encouraging things to say about them. She says that despite that unpalatable encounter that eventually went viral, that she still has faith in the men in uniform

Ms Olivia Afun made these submissions in an exclusive interview with Eko Hot Blog reporter in Agbowa.

Recall that Ms Afun recently became an internet sensation, after she successfully shared an accurate recording of her encounter with the men in uniform at the Agbowa police station. That recording drew both local and international sympathy for her, but condemnation for the officers leading to the arrest of the Divisional Traffic Officer

From her account, the role of the traditional rulers not only as custodian of traditional values but as an unbiased umpire in conflict resolution in their respective community also received a stamp of approval.

She particularly referred to the tremendous support and assistance, morally and financially during her ordeal of revered traditional rulers, HRM, Oba Rilwan Aremu Akiolu 1st, the Oba of Lagos and the Hrm, Oba Ganiyu Aderibigbe Asumo, the Alayandelu of Odo Ayandelu, saying they stood by her during the difficult time.

We reproduce below, the rest of her submission during the interview, knowing that that is a better way to capture the depth of her feelings:

“My interaction with the police particularly the rank and file of the Lagos State Police Command have reaffirmed my belief in the police force.
“The personal interaction I have with the Commissioner of Police, his dispassionate approach to the case and the garment of humanity he wore that eventually led to the swift dispensation of justice has rekindled my hope and affirmed my belief that there are still men of impeccable characters in the police force.

“The Nigeria police department comprises professionals whose dedication and commitment to upholding the tenets of the noble profession are unparalleled. I would not have had the opportunity to appreciate that without the encounter with the police officer

“The experience and the lessons learnt in the last few days have strengthened my deep conviction in those saddled with the huge responsibility of protecting our lives and properties.

“I am aware they operate in a very dangerous terrain with little, meagre or no resources to enable them to discharge their responsibilities without fear and favour.

“ I am also aware there are numerous temptations and challenges the police are confronted with daily. The ability to resist and overcome those challenges is the fine line that separates good police officer from a bad police officer”, she said

Continuing, she added that the display of compassion and kindness that truly defines Nigerians were at play during her ordeal.
She also referred to what she described as a deluge of calls from Nigerians from different walks of life offering one assistance or another, were encouraging, adding that some went as far as of delivering foodstuffs, adding“To them, I owe a debt of gratitude”.

She also expressed gratitude to the Inspector General Of Police, the commissioner of Police, Governor Babajide Sanwiolu of Lagos her husband, Dr Olajide, the Lagos State Commissioner of information, Honourable Kunle Dabiri, Mr jibola and of course Eko Hot Blog

“In conclusion, I believe in Nigeria. I affirm its sovereignty and sanctity despite the shabby treatment from a few overzealous police officers.
“Despite the treatment, I still believe that the best of Nigeria is yet to come”, she concluded.

Enjoy this video clip;