By Tony Edemenaha
The brutalisation and detention of Mr Efosa Sulaiman Lawani, a Lagos-based businessman and member of the National Association of Seadogs, in Benin City, Edo State, on February 6, 2026, is a stark reminder of the systemic dysfunction plaguing Nigeria’s police and military institutions.
This incident, like many others, highlights the urgent need for reform and accountability within our security agencies.
Lawani was en route to Enugu to attend the annual Ralph Opara Memorial Lecture, an event dedicated to honouring the memory of a renowned broadcasting icon and founding member of the Pyrates Confraternity, when he was stopped, brutalised, and detained.
The reason? Ostensibly, because he refused to be extorted for being in lawful possession of souvenirs of the National Association of Seadogs meant to be distributed during the memorial lecture.
This egregious act is not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of a broader disease that has plagued our nation for far too long – the culture of impunity and disregard for human rights within our security agencies.
The #EndSARS protests of 2020 brought attention to the rot within Nigeria’s police force, but it seems little has changed. Amnesty International has documented numerous cases of human rights abuses, including unlawful detention, extortion, torture, and extrajudicial killings, perpetrated by the police.
The Gestapo-style operations and roguish conduct of police and military personnel are a far cry from the principles of professionalism and service to the citizenry that these institutions are supposed to uphold.
Sadly, this is not the first time the National Association of Seadogs has faced such treatment in Benin City. On August 3, 2025, members of the association were assaulted and extorted for the sum of N2 million in the same city.
The incident prompted the commendable intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and CP Monday Agbonika, the Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, who ensured that justice was served and the erring 6 officers were sanctioned. One would have thought that this would serve as a deterrent, but alas, the abuse continues.
To address this crisis, security operatives must be educated on civil relations, human rights, and the rule of law.
Regular training and retraining programs can instil a culture of respect for human dignity and promote a shift away from the current mindset that seems to prioritise force over finesse.
Periodic psychological evaluation is also crucial in identifying and addressing underlying issues that may contribute to brutal behaviour among security personnel.
Moreover, improving working conditions and compensation for security personnel can go a long way toward boosting morale and reducing instances of extortion and brutality. When officers feel valued and supported, they are more likely to serve with integrity.
Finally, erring officers must be held accountable for their actions to prevent a culture of impunity. The Nigerian authorities must take concrete steps to reform the police and military, ensuring they serve and protect the citizenry. People like Mr Lawani should not have to fear for their safety while exercising their rights.
The Nigerian people deserve better. It’s time for our leaders to act decisively and prioritise protecting human rights and the rule of law. Only then can we begin to heal the wounds of the past and build a more just and equitable society for all.
*Tony Edemenaha, poet and social commentator, writes from Asaba.
