British Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch recounted a troubling encounter with the Nigerian police, alleging that officers stole her brother's shoes and watch. The incident, which has gained significant attention, was shared during an interview with The Free Press, where Badenoch contrasted her experiences with law enforcement in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Badenoch, who has been a Member of Parliament for North West Essex since 2017 and served in the Cabinet under Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak from 2022 to 2024, described her experience with the Nigerian police as "very negative." She stated, "The police in Nigeria will rob us," adding humorously, "I remember the police stole my brother’s shoe and his watch."
The politician attributed such behavior to Nigeria's economic struggles, suggesting that poverty can lead to misuse of power when law enforcement officers are armed. "It’s a very poor country. People do all sorts of things. So, giving people a gun is just a license to intimidate," she remarked.
In contrast, Badenoch praised the professionalism of the British police, recounting an incident from 2004 when they effectively handled a burglary at her home. "When I was burgled, for example, the police were there. They were helpful before they eventually caught the person," she noted, emphasizing the positive nature of her interactions with UK law enforcement.
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The comments have not gone unnoticed in Nigeria, with Vice President Kashim Shettima criticizing Badenoch for her remarks, accusing her of denigrating the country. Despite the backlash, Badenoch defended her statements, arguing that they reflect her personal experiences and observations.
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