Rights activist and lawyer, Chukwudi Ezeobika, has criticised Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, warning that Nigeria is sliding towards state failure following the brutal assault of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Anambra State, including Miss Jennifer Edema Elohor.
Ezeobika said the attack exposed “a frightening collapse of control” in the country’s security system, accusing the Police of ceding their constitutional mandate to vigilante groups controlled by state governors.
“Vigilante groups have become oppressive tools in the hands of state governors, spreading small arms and light weapons, extorting citizens, and trampling on rights. Their continued existence is unconstitutional and a grave danger to our democracy,” he declared.
The lawyer linked the unchecked rise of vigilantes to increased arms proliferation, rights violations, and routine extortion. He also cited recent incidents such as the assault of an Ibom Air passenger in Lagos and the Abuja airport hostage drama involving musician Wasiu Ayinde as evidence of a system spiralling out of control.
“What we are seeing is Nigeria drifting towards Libya-style lawlessness, where paramilitary groups dictate order,” he warned.
Ezeobika further lamented that daily illegal checkpoints, jungle justice killings, and highway kidnappings were clear signs that the Police had been overwhelmed, leaving citizens at the mercy of non-state actors.
He urged the judiciary to rise to the occasion, end unlawful detentions, and defend the rights guaranteed under Sections 33 to 41 of the 1999 Constitution.
To restore public confidence, Ezeobika called for urgent reforms in the Nigeria Police Force, including fresh recruitment, withdrawal of officers from private guard duties, and redeployment to communities plagued by insecurity.
“Rights abuses have become the ugly face of Nigeria before the world. If the Police cannot protect lives and liberty, then our democracy stands on shaky ground,” he said.
