ABSTRACT

The aim of this research work is to examine the Nigeria Police and excessive use of power, a case study of Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ikeja Police Command, Lagos State. 

To effectively carry out this research, data was collected in form of questionnaire from respondents who are staff of Special Anti-Robbery Squad. (120) one hundred and twenty questionnaire were administered, (107) one hundred and seven copies were returned and (100) one hundred copies are used. After critical analysis of the data collected, findings revealed that the Nigeria Police and excessive use of power cannot be over emphasized in reducing the rate of excessive use of power and violations of fundamental Human Rights of the citizens.

“I must admit, it is the duty of the Nigeria Police Force to protect every citizen as well as foreigners in our land” (Balogun 2002:23). This obvious statement by the formal Inspector - General of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun, seems to be a clear indication that all is not well with the administrative of law and order in Nigeria. Emile Durkheim (1950:65) posited that, “crime is present…. in all societies of all types”. Invariably the police, as earlier stated, represent the organ of the government charged with the responsibility of law and order maintenance. In the course of the performance of its statutory role to the society, the Nigeria police force have been found wanting in one-way or the other.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title      page

Declaration I

Certification II

Dedication III

Acknowledgement IV

Abstract V

Table of content VI

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction 1

Background of the study 2

Statement of the research problem 4

1.4 Objective of the study 5

1.5 Significance of the study 5

1.6 Research questions 6

1.7 Research hypothesis 6

1.8 Scope of the study 7

1.9 Limitations of the study 7

1.10 Definition of terms 8

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction 9

2.2 Police use of excessive power 10

2.3 Historical background of the Nigerian police force 11

2.4 Nigeria police: functions and power 12

2.5 Organizational structure of the Nigeria police force 13

2.6 Code of conduct for law enforcement officials 15

2.7 Forms of excessive power by the Nigeria police 16

2.8 Why police use excessive power on the citizens 18

2.9 Factors associated with police excessive power abuse 20

2.10 Theoretical framework 20

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction 23

3.2 Research design 23

Sources of data collection 23

Population of the study 24

Sampling size 24

Sampling techniques 24

Data collection instrument 25

Administration of data collection instrument 25

Limitations of the methodology 26

Validation and reliability of instruments 26

Method of data analysis 26

CHAPTER FOUR

DATA ANALYSIS PRESENTATION

  Introduction 28

  Analysis of respondents’ characteristics and classifications 28

  Analysis of research questions 31

  Test of hypothesis 37

  Discussion of the findings 44

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary of the findings 45

5.2 Conclusion 46

5.3 Recommendations 46

5.4 Suggestion for further study 47

References 48

Appendix