The leader of the United Kingdom Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has described the Nigerian police as ”robbers” who prey on unsuspecting Nigerians.
Speaking in an interview on The FP Honestly, Badenoch alleged that during her stay in Nigeria, operatives of the Nigerian police stole her brother’s shoes and wristwatch.
Responding to questions about her trust in the UK police, she said, ”My experience with the police in Nigeria was very negative, but coming to the UK, my first experience with the police was very positive.
”The police in Nigeria were robbers. When people say I have this bad experience with the police because I’m Black and all that, I’m like, ‘What the f—.’
”I remember the police stole my brother’s shoes and his watch. They took his shoes and his watch.
”It is a very poor country where people do all sorts of things, and giving people guns is just a license to intimidate.”
However, she applauded the UK police, saying, ”But that’s not the bar we should use for the British police; it should be much higher, but my experience was so positive.
”When I was burgled, for example, the police were there; they were very helpful, and they eventually caught the persons. Since 2004. So 20 years ago, the police did catch criminals.”
Badenoch has been the subject of criticism from several Nigerians, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Femi Fani-Kayode, over her criticism of the country.
Reacting to her remarks on the political and social situation in Nigeria, the former Minister of Aviation, Fani-Kayode, told Badenoch that her negative comments about Nigeria are a public relations (PR) job for racists in the UK opposition party.
Fani-Kayode made the statement in a post on his X handle on Thursday.
He said, “No, you are not, and neither do we need or want you to. You are, however, doing PR for the House Ni*gers Association & the racist, fascist scum that constitutes the far right wing of your adopted country. Do us a favour by shutting your foul mouth, dropping ‘Kemi’ as your name, & changing it to ‘Aunty Jemimah’ instead.”