NIGERIA POLICE AND EXCESSIVE USE OF POWER

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research work is to examine the Nigeria Police and excessive use of power, a case study of Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja Police Command, Lagos State. 

To effectively carry out this research, data was collected in form of questionnaire from respondents who are staff of Special Anti-Robbery Squad. (120) one hundred and twenty questionnaire were administered, (107) one hundred and seven copies were returned and (100) one hundred copies are used. After critical analysis of the data collected, findings revealed that the Nigeria Police and excessive use of power cannot be over emphasized in reducing the rate of excessive use of power and violations of fundamental Human Rights of the citizens.

“I must admit, it is the duty of the Nigeria Police Force to protect every citizen as well as foreigners in our land” (Balogun 2002:23). This obvious statement by the formal Inspector - General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun, seems to be a clear indication that all is not well with the administrative of law and order in Nigeria. Emile Durkheim (1950:65) posited that, “crime is present…. in all societies of all types”. Invariably the police, as earlier stated, represent the organ of the government charged with the responsibility of law and order maintenance. In the course of the performance of its statutory role to the society, the Nigeria police force have been found wanting in one-way or the other.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title      page

DeclarationI

CertificationII

DedicationIII

AcknowledgementIV

Abstract V

Table of contentVI

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction1

Background of the study2

Statement of the research problem4

1.4Objective of the study5

1.5Significance of the study5

1.6Research questions6

1.7Research hypothesis6

1.8Scope of the study7

1.9Limitations of the study 7

1.10Definition of terms8

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1Introduction 9

2.2Police use of excessive power10

2.3Historical background of the Nigerian police force11

2.4Nigeria police: functions and power12

2.5Organizational structure of the Nigeria police force13

2.6Code of conduct for law enforcement officials15

2.7Forms of excessive power by the Nigeria police16

2.8Why police use excessive power on the citizens 18

2.9Factors associated with police excessive power abuse20

2.10Theoretical framework20

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1Introduction23

3.2Research design23

Sources of data collection 23

Population of the study24

Sampling size 24

Sampling techniques24

Data collection instrument 25

Administration of data collection instrument 25

Limitations of the methodology 26

Validation and reliability of instruments26

Method of data analysis26

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA ANALYSIS PRESENTATION

 Introduction28

 Analysis of respondents’ characteristics and classifications28

 Analysis of research questions31

 Test of hypothesis37

 Discussion of the findings44

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1Summary of the findings45

5.2Conclusion 46

5.3Recommendations46

5.4Suggestion for further study47

References48

Appendix