In Nigeria today, a dangerous trend is becoming more visible. The rich, powerful and influential, including politicians, celebrities, religious leaders and those in public office, continue to use law enforcement agencies, especially the police, to silence people they disagree with. From defamation to simple arguments, civil disputes and even open criticism, many Nigerians have been unjustly arrested or detained simply for expressing their views.
This misuse of state power is a clear abuse of authority and a threat to democracy. When you hold a public position, especially one that involves speaking to or influencing the citizens, you must be open to public scrutiny. People have the right to question, challenge and criticise you for your words and actions. This is not disrespect. It is a fundamental principle of democratic life. Criticism helps prevent those in power from misleading the public or taking advantage of people’s ignorance.
We have seen how influential individuals mislead the public only to return years or even decades later with apologies. A well-known religious leader once called television the "devil’s box", convincing many of his followers to reject it completely. Over a decade later, he came forward to admit he was wrong. But by then, so much damage had already been done.
Another example is that of a former Nigerian president who annulled one of the most peaceful and credible elections in the country’s history. Decades later, he publicly apologised and admitted his error. Unfortunately, the consequences of his actions had already destroyed many futures, broken families and set the nation back in terms of progress and trust in leadership.
Religious manipulation is another dangerous example. Some pastors aggressively taught that tithing was a non-negotiable law of God. They preached that if you did not pay ten percent of your income, you would be cursed. Many followers were frightened into giving money they did not have, sometimes sacrificing school fees, food and medical bills out of fear of divine punishment. These leaders threatened people using so-called prophetic messages and manipulated scriptures for personal gain. Some even used the tithes and financial contributions from their congregations to build private schools and higher institutions that the children of those poor tithers could not afford to attend due to high tuition fees. This is not spiritual leadership. It is economic exploitation hidden behind religious robes.
We have also seen religion being weaponised in a more deadly form by some religious leaders who take advantage of the ignorance of their followers about the holy books. They use inflammatory language that can lead to mob violence. One heartbreaking example is that of Deborah Samuel, a Nigerian student who was beaten and burned to death by a mob for allegedly making a comment considered blasphemous in a WhatsApp group. Instead of urging peace, some religious figures either supported the act or chose silence. That silence, in the face of brutality, is complicity.
The misuse of power extends beyond religion or politics. Some musicians, children of politicians and other privileged figures have also used their influence to intimidate or unlawfully detain ordinary citizens who criticised them online or in public. There are reported cases where individuals were arrested without a warrant, taken to police stations and detained without trial — all because someone with powerful parents or connections took offence. In many instances, these detained citizens were only released after pleading like slaves, apologising and begging for mercy, even though no court case was filed against them. This behaviour is not just unjust — it is disgraceful in any society that claims to uphold the rule of law.
Even more disturbing is the fact that many people who tried to speak up against such injustices were harassed or arrested using law enforcement. This has created a climate of fear, where many now keep quiet to avoid becoming targets themselves.
It is encouraging that the president recently used his Democracy Day address to speak directly to this issue. He reminded law enforcement agencies of their duty to respect due process and emphasised that freedom of speech is a core part of any democracy. If anyone feels offended or defamed by criticism, the right step is to approach the courts and allow the judiciary to handle the matter. Using the police or security services to intimidate or detain people for expressing opinions is not only wrong, it is dangerous for the future of our country.
No matter who the person is — whether governor, pastor, musician, businessman or traditional ruler — there must be due process. This is the only way our systems can grow. When laws apply equally to all citizens, people begin to trust the system. Justice and fairness cannot exist where power protects itself through intimidation. A country can only move forward when there is equality before the law.
In more developed nations, it is almost unthinkable for someone to use the police to settle personal disputes or silence critics. Law enforcement officers understand the serious consequences of abusing their authority. Crimes are not hidden forever. Even if committed many years ago, justice will be served whenever the truth is discovered. That accountability is what prevents abuse and strengthens public trust in the legal system.
Unfortunately, many Nigerians still do not fully understand the importance of due process. Emotions, loyalty and bias often guide their judgment. People defend their favourite political leaders, mentors or religious figures without asking whether they are right or wrong. But this is dangerous. The law must be respected at all times. The police are not judges. They are not to be used as private enforcers for the powerful.
Detaining someone without a fair trial is not just unlawful, it is a violation of their fundamental human rights. It is an attack on the rule of law and a threat to every Nigerian’s freedom.
We must learn to support justice, not personalities. We must speak up for fairness, not silence. We must protect the rights of all, not just those in power. No one is above the law. The police must follow due process. The courts must decide cases. And the people must never be afraid to speak the truth.
This is how we build a nation where justice, equality and true democracy thrive.
INJUSTICE TO ONE IS AN INJUSTICE TO ALL. HUMANITY FIRST.
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