Ex-Lagos CP Fatai Owoseni Highlights Police Challenges

Fatai Owoseni, the former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, discussed the significant challenges within Nigeria's police system during a live program. He described the police as victims of a flawed criminal justice system, often forced to operate under harsh conditions with minimal resources.

Owoseni recounted a personal experience where he spent ₦2 million to treat a suspect before court, illustrating the dire state of healthcare for suspects in police custody. He criticized the lack of basic facilities and funding, noting that the Ikeja police division, which serves a jurisdiction of one million people, operates on a budget of only ₦30,000 for three months.

He emphasized that magistrates often adjourn cases due to the lack of proper facilities and vehicles, placing undue pressure on police officers. Owoseni urged Nigerians to understand the cultural and systemic challenges faced by law enforcement, reflecting on how resource allocation has deteriorated since his early years in the police force.