US Policeman Labeled As Criminal In Nigeria For Wearing Braids, Tatoo

It has become a norm for the Nigerian Police to label anyone wearing an anti-social look as a criminal.

A Nigerian working with the police in Washington DC United States Akintayo Akintunde has joined the league of young people that are profiled as suspected criminals based on their looks by the Nigerian police.

Akintunde, who has a braided hair, is attached to the Washington, District of Columbia police.

He narrated how the Nigeria police profiled him as a suspected criminal four days after he arrived in the country.

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Young men who braid hair and wear tattoo are regularly profiled by the Nigerian police.

It could have been strange to the US police officer, whose policing career also includes civil and social engagements with US citizens.

He was among the officers of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that featured in its new web series, “Beyond the Badge,” shown on multiple DC Police social media platforms in October 2018.

The purpose of the series, the Metropolitan Police said, is to capture police officers with members of the community, showcasing different passions, talents, hobbies and interests outside of their work-life.

Consequently, the Metropolitan Police said the series is meant to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community to simultaneously show the humanistic qualities of MPD officers.

But for the Nigeria police, Akintunde said, “They profile people (as criminals )based on looks. Enough of the profiling,” he said.