“Police could have used AK-47 to harm Sowore but they are nice “- House of Reps member Gagdi defends NPF

Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, has sparked discussion over the role of law enforcement in democratic societies.

Speaking on Channels TV Politics Today, Gagdi emphasized that the Nigerian police had the power and the weapons to harm political activist Omoyele Sowore but instead chose to take legal action, a move he believes deserves commendation.

Sowore, a well-known activist and founder of Sahara Reporters, has been a vocal critic of the Nigerian government. His recent challenge of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure extension led to cybercrim£ charges being filed against him.

The police, armed with 16 charges, argue that Sowore’s labeling of Egbetokun as an “illegal IG” constitutes a cybercrim£.

Gagdi’s comments suggest that, historically, law enforcement agencies in Nigeria have not always adhered to due process.

His statement acknowledges an uncomfortable reality. In the past, political dissidents have been detained without charge, harassed, or worse.

By choosing the legal route instead of extrajudicial means, the police have, in his view, demonstrated a step towards respecting judicial authority.

Moreover, the comment indirectly acknowledges that law enforcement officers have historically abused their powers.

The fact that an official acknowledges that the police “could have harmed” Sowore or detained him without public knowledge points to the longstanding culture of impunity within Nigeria’s security agencies.