This news is now hitting blogs and making its way around. However, Business Day reported it almost two weeks ago. It will be interesting to see the outcome of this case as it makes its way through Nigeria’s civil litigation system. The case reminds me of a very sad case of the beatings of a Nigerian young doctor in the USA by the Police somewhere in the Midwest, if I recall correctly. I recall seeing the story on Linda Ikeji and wonder what has become of it.
Speaking of police brutality and from my view over here and wearing the hat of a criminal defense attorney on, I wish I could tell you the police behave better here. However, the truth is when you are Black in the USA, even if you are a member of law enforcement i.e. Police or FBI Agent, educated Nigerian doctor, engineer etc. pray you don’t get caught ‘Driving While Black.’ If you do, pray you are a famous recognizable star. It just is what it is and I cannot sugar coat the reality to make anyone feel good.
I do know that there are many cops who try and do attempt to do the right thing. The case below takes place in Nigeria and skin color is not the issue here. In that instance, the crime is being poor.
-Uduak
@uduaklaw
“Friday Igwe aka Baba Fryo, has threatened to sue the Nigeria Police Force, following an alleged brutality on his person by members of the force.
The musician spoke from the hospital, where he is being treated for injuries sustained, said the incident happened around Iyana Ishasi, a suburb of Lagos some days ago.
According to him, he saw the law enforcement agents manhandling two ladies and he decided to intervene.
Fryo said the young ladies had refused to follow two of the policemen to an unknown destination. After this, the man went to get more of their colleagues, who resorted into force and pounced on the girls.
Fryo said he heard the commotion from his friend’s hotel room and he went to the scene to intervene.
He stated that he tried to plead with the seven policemen on behalf of the girls to stop the beating, but instead, one of them turned to him and slapped him. Four others joined in beating him, leaving him with fractures. . .
Business Day has the full story.