News

Netizens Share Shocking Police Encounters Following Kemi Badenoch’s ‘They’d Rob Us’ Remarks

Published

1 year ago

December 15, 2024

Shortly after British Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch shared comments about the Nigerian police on Saturday, netizens began recounting their experiences on Sunday.

Badenoch, who has previously sparked controversy with her remarks about Nigeria, was asked whether she trusted the British police.

In response, Badenoch said, “I do. My experience with the police in Nigeria was very negative, and coming to the UK, my first experience with the police was very positive. The police in Nigeria would rob us.

“I remember the police stealing my brother’s shoes and his watch. It’s a very poor country, so people do all sorts of things.”

Reacting to her comments on the social media platform X, some users shared their personal encounters, although these accounts are yet to be independently verified, The PUNCH compiled the following:

A user identified as Daughter_Of_Richard recounted an incident in 2021 when she and her friends were arrested shortly after celebrating her birthday. She said, “In 2021, I was arrested 10 minutes after my birthday. They picked up my friends and me while we were walking home. There were three of us. They dropped us off and went out to pick up other people. That night, they made about four trips, picking people up to extort bail money.”

Similarly, Tee (@lutosinGBELA) shared a distressing story from 2007. She alleged that was arrested with four others, adding that they were detained by the police in Ikeja, Lagos. According to her, their only offence was parking in front of a bank.

She wrote, “In 2007, five of us were arrested and taken to Ikeja GRA Police Station, where we spent the night simply because we parked in front of GT Bank on Allen Avenue. We were told we had parked there because we were about to rob the bank.

“Only four of us were locked up — one was left out because he looked too corporate. Unbeknownst to us, he was released to find funds for our release. Thanks to an influential friend of ours, who owned the car in the first place, we were eventually freed after his uncle made a phone call.”

UkpemeAbasi Essien (@BlaiseEssien) shared another shocking incident involving police officers in Akwa Ibom State. He narrated how a cultist hired five uniformed officers to assault a school principal over an expulsion.

He wrote, “A cultist went to my brother’s school with five police officers to beat up the principal for an expulsion in Ikono, Akwa Ibom State. N/B: They were in uniform. The man was made to kneel under the sun in front of the school with his phone and other teachers’ phones seized. Fear police ooo!”

Meanwhile, Ibrahim M (@ibrah_shuwa) recounted his ordeal, alleging that he was detained without cause. He said, “The Nigerian police abducted me too. My only ‘crime’ was standing by the roadside around midnight — despite there being no curfew. Even after showing them my NYSC ID card, I was forced to spend an entire day at their station. I genuinely despise them.”

Another user, Precious (@precious_tagy), described being humiliated and threatened for his financial decisions.

He wrote, “The police stopped me and asked why ‘a small boy like me’ would pay 100k for a flight ticket. They slapped me in the face and pointed a gun at me like a criminal. Anywhere people are dragging a police officer, please wake me up. I must be there. Wicked people.”
PUNCH

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

16 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.