In a legal showdown that has stirred debates over policing priorities in Nigeria, a 79-year-old businesswoman, Colleen Yesufu, has filed a suit demanding the withdrawal of police escorts assigned to private citizens. At the heart of the matter is whether these escorts align with the constitutional duties of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
The case, lodged at the Federal High Court in Abuja, lists Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun as a key respondent, alongside President Bola Tinubu, the National Police Council, and Mrs. Bikikisu Aliyu, also known as Rebecca Omokamo Godwin Isaac, a private citizen alleged to benefit from the VIP privileges.
Executive Order Under Scrutiny
Yesufu’s legal argument pivots on a November 13, 2023, executive directive by President Tinubu, which called for an immediate withdrawal of police escorts assigned to VIPs not statutorily entitled to such privileges. This directive, according to her lawyer, Maxwell Opara, underscores the need for police resources to prioritize public safety over individual privileges.
“The duties of the Nigeria Police Force should serve the general public, not a select few,” Opara argued, citing Section 4 of the Police Act.
Yesufu seeks a declaration from the court affirming the legality of Tinubu’s directive and an injunction barring the IGP from assigning police officers as VIP escorts to private individuals, including Aliyu.
Allegations Against Aliyu
Yesufu’s affidavit alleges that despite the president’s directive, the IGP has failed to withdraw police escorts assigned to Aliyu. She accuses Aliyu of using these officers to intimidate, harass, and evade law enforcement agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“Mrs. Aliyu has a pending fraud case with the EFCC and has repeatedly used her police escorts to dodge lawful invitations and arrests,” the affidavit states.
Yesufu contends that these actions undermine public trust in the police and perpetuate a culture where state resources are used for personal gain.
A Question of Priorities
The issue of police escorts for VIPs has long been controversial in Nigeria, where critics argue that such practices drain manpower from essential policing duties. The NPF, already grappling with limited resources and increasing crime rates, faces scrutiny for assigning officers to guard private citizens while communities struggle with inadequate security.
President Tinubu’s directive was seen as a bold move to address this imbalance, with the NPF initially issuing a statement affirming compliance. Yet, Yesufu’s lawsuit suggests that enforcement has been selective, allowing some individuals, such as Aliyu, to retain these privileges.
Implications for the IGP
Yesufu’s legal battle places IGP Egbetokun in a precarious position, challenging his compliance with the presidential order. It also raises questions about accountability within the police force.
“Policing in Nigeria must prioritize the welfare and safety of the general public, not personal convenience for the privileged few,” Opara emphasized in court documents.
If the court rules in Yesufu’s favor, it could set a precedent limiting the allocation of police resources to private individuals and reinforcing the rule of law.
VIP Privileges in Focus
Aliyu’s alleged misuse of police escorts brings attention to broader issues of privilege in Nigeria’s political and business circles. Critics argue that such entitlements reflect systemic inequality, where the elite enjoy protection and advantages denied to the average citizen.
Yesufu’s lawsuit also highlights the broader implications of such practices, suggesting that they exacerbate corruption and undermine efforts to hold influential figures accountable.
Awaiting a Court Date
As of the time of this report, the case had not yet been assigned to a judge. However, legal experts suggest it could ignite widespread debate over the role of the police in a democratic society and the boundaries of executive authority.
Public Reactions
The case has drawn mixed reactions from Nigerians. Some view Yesufu’s challenge as a courageous stand against misuse of state resources, while others question whether the courts will effectively address the issue.
“This case isn’t just about police escorts; it’s about fairness and ensuring that no one is above the law,” said Lagos-based activist Tunde Okoye.
Others, however, argue that withdrawing police escorts from VIPs might inadvertently increase security risks for high-profile individuals, potentially straining the NPF further.
The Bigger Picture
Yesufu’s lawsuit underscores a fundamental tension in Nigerian governance: balancing public safety with the privileges of the elite. With the courts set to deliberate on this matter, the outcome could reshape policing priorities in Nigeria and redefine the relationship between the state and its citizens.
As Nigerians await the court’s decision, the case serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and equitable use of public resources. Whether the judiciary will uphold these principles remains to be seen.
