Nigerian Lives Matter As Well –By Matthew Ma

On May 25, 2020, a tragic event unfolded in Minneapolis, USA, that deeply took the world by surprise. George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was taken into custody by police after a store clerk reportedly claimed he had attempted to use a counterfeit $20 bill. During this encounter, Officer Derek Chauvin applied excessive force by kneeling on Floyd’s neck for over nine agonizing minutes. Throughout this time, Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down on the pavement, repeatedly gasping for air and pleading for his life. As bystanders recorded Floyd repeatedly begging, “I can’t breathe,” calling out for his mother for help. Despite these desperate cries and warnings from onlookers, Chauvin did not release his restraint. Floyd eventually lost consciousness and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Later, Derek Chauvin was arrested and charged with murder and manslaughter. In April 2021, he was convicted on all charges and subsequently sentenced to over 22 years in prison.

The death of George Floyd sparked renewed discussions about police brutality in Nigeria, where a parallel movement had been gaining traction. This movement reached its peak during the End SARS protests, as young Nigerians took to the streets to voice their demands, echoing those heard in the United States: an end to police brutality, accountability for offenders, and comprehensive reforms within law enforcement. The slogan “Soro Soke” (“Speak Up”) emerged as Nigeria’s rallying cry for civic awakening, mirroring the sentiment of the “Black Lives Matter” movement in the US. However, years after the events surrounding George Floyd and the End SARS protests, reports of police brutality continue to emerge in Nigeria. The most recent case of police violence in Delta State highlights a troubling pattern akin to that seen in the US.

The tragic killing of Ogidi Mene in Delta State has served as a heartbreaking catalyst for Nigeria to confront once again a painful and enduring reality—another police brutality. What should have been just another ordinary day quickly morphed into a jarring reminder of the dangers Nigerians often face at the hands of those sworn to protect them. This incident cannot be viewed as merely an isolated act of violence; rather, it symbolizes a far-reaching crisis that continues to erode public trust in law enforcement throughout the nation. For years, Nigerians from various levels of society have voiced deep and abiding concerns about pervasive issues such as police brutality, extrajudicial killings, and the widespread abuse of power within the law enforcement system. These grievances reached a breaking point during the End SARS protests of 2020, when thousands of citizens took to the streets en masse, demanding not just the disbandment of notorious police units like the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), but also a comprehensive end to systemic oppression and abuse within the police force.

In response, the government made a series of promises, including the disbandment of abusive police units, the implementation of reforms to increase accountability, and the establishment of measures to foster transparency within law enforcement agencies. However, the tragic death of Ogidi Mene starkly illustrates that these pledges have largely failed to translate into meaningful, lasting change. Instead, they serve as a reminder of the persistent gaps between government assurances and the lived realities of Nigerian citizens, who continue to grapple with fear and uncertainty regarding their safety in the hands of those who are supposed to uphold it.

At the heart of the issue lies a profound, systemic failure in the accountability structures of law enforcement agencies. The existing mechanisms intended to hold officers accountable for misconduct are deeply inadequate, allowing those who engage in inappropriate or unlawful behavior to avoid facing justice. Investigations into allegations of misconduct are often characterized by a lack of transparency and sluggish progress, and frequently yield inconclusive results. This lack of clarity has fostered a growing perception among the public that the system prioritizes protecting its own members over serving the community’s best interests. Without robust consequences for their actions, officers are emboldened to continue engaging in misconduct, which nurtures a troubling culture of impunity.

Beyond accountability exposes a series of deeply embedded and concerning realities within our society. The manner in which Mene was killed—brazenly and openly in broad daylight—demonstrates a shocking disregard for human life and raises pressing questions about the conditions that permit such acts to occur without apparent fear of repercussions from either the public or law enforcement. Moreover, the motives behind this brutal crime warrant scrutiny. Is the police maintaining a veil of secrecy, withholding crucial information from the public? Alternatively, could this incident stem from reckless behavior by an officer under the influence of alcohol?

In a truly civilized society, such as the United States, where the sanctity of human life is upheld as a fundamental principle that should never be compromised, Officer Usman, given the circumstances surrounding his actions, would have been swiftly arrested and faced multiple legal charges. This situation draws a parallel to the widely publicized case of George Floyd, in which former police officer Derek Chauvin was apprehended and subsequently charged with murder and manslaughter following Floyd’s tragic death. The evidence against Chauvin was compelling, leading to his conviction on all counts just over a year later. Eventually, he was sentenced to more than 22 years in prison, highlighting the legal system’s response to the violation of human rights and the overall societal demand for accountability in instances of police misconduct. If this situation had occurred in Nigeria, it would likely have taken years to reach such a resolution. However, for the US justice system, the swift conclusion of this case demonstrates the expectation for justice in circumstances involving loss of life due to law enforcement actions.

The consequences of persistent police brutality in Nigeria extend far beyond the immediate instances of abuse or misconduct. Each incident contributes to a growing chasm between the general population and law enforcement agencies, fostering an environment rife with fear, deep-seated resentment, and profound distrust among communities. This toxic atmosphere not only discourages citizens from engaging with the police but also undermines the very foundation of effective policing and crime prevention strategies. As public confidence in law enforcement erodes, the likelihood of cooperation diminishes significantly. Citizens become reluctant to report crimes, seek assistance, or provide vital information that could aid in investigations. The societal perception of the police shifts from defenders of peace to sources of fear and aggression, which in turn compromises the ability of law enforcement to fulfill its mandate. In such a fraught environment, the fundamental right to security is jeopardized; a nation cannot claim to uphold safety and justice when its own citizens feel threatened by those who are tasked with safeguarding them.

Nigeria currently stands at a critical crossroads. The tragic killing of Ogidi Mene should not be dismissed as just another incident in the lengthy catalog of unresolved injustices that plague the nation. Instead, it must catalyze a strong and unified call for transformative action. To achieve this, independent oversight bodies must be established and adequately empowered to carry out their functions without interference. Their recommendations should be taken seriously and acted upon promptly, reflecting a genuine commitment to accountability and reform. However, true change extends beyond mere policy adjustments; it requires a substantial shift in the police force’s culture, nurturing an environment that values human rights and prioritizes the protection of all citizens.

Thus, the measure of any society is reflected in its treatment of its citizens, especially during times of vulnerability and distress. Achieving justice for Ogidi Mene transcends the loss of an individual life; it symbolizes the affirmation of the intrinsic value of every Nigerian life. If the nation fails to institute meaningful reforms and maintain accountability as a foundational standard rather than an isolated exception, the vicious cycle of brutality and public outrage will undoubtedly persist. Nigeria has a moral obligation to its citizens to ensure their safety and uphold their rights. The time for decisive action is now; the nation must rise to the occasion and demonstrate that it truly values the lives of all its people. Every moment squandered in inaction further undermines public trust and perpetuates a culture of impunity. We must collectively advocate for a safer, more just society, where accountability is non-negotiable, and the sanctity of human life is revered.

Much like the phrase “Black Lives Matter,” the slogan “Nigerian Lives Matter” must evolve beyond a mere slogan; it should be embraced as a fundamental principle that guides governance and societal values in Nigeria. Every life lost due to preventable violence is not just a tragic statistic but a profound indication of the state’s failure to protect its citizens. Each instance of violence that goes unaddressed compounds the existing crises—whether they stem from inadequate law enforcement, systemic corruption, or socio-economic inequalities. The era of mere rhetoric has ended. What Nigeria desperately needs at this moment is not just words, but a series of decisive and sustained actions that lead to tangible change. This is crucial because, as long as justice remains elusive and is not consistently served, the fundamental questions surrounding accountability, fairness, and equity will continue to linger and haunt our society. The time for talking has passed; we must now shift our focus to implementing effective solutions that address these pressing issues head-on. Until we see a steadfast commitment to swiftly and fairly serving justice, the question of why these tragedies continue will linger, casting a long shadow over our collective conscience. The time for change is now, and through unwavering action, we can pave the way for a safer and more equitable Nigeria for all its citizens.

Rev. Ma, S.J., is a Jesuit priest and a public policy analyst. He currently writes from Abuja, Nigeria.