Procedural Justice, Police Legitimacy, and the Legacy of Precolonial and Colonial Policing in the Global South: A Normative Assessment of Nigeria

• In Event: POL Panel 3. Police legitimacy and Trust around the world

Abstract

This research delves into the complex relationships between procedural justice, police legitimacy, and the historical accounts of policing in Nigeria, thereby offering a window into broader challenges faced in the Global South. Focusing on Nigeria as a case study, it investigates the current state of procedural justice in policing and its impact on police legitimacy, all while acknowledging the profound influence of precolonial and colonial policing practices. The study first assesses the contemporary landscape of procedural justice within Nigerian law enforcement, scrutinizing elements of transparency, fairness, accountability, and equitable treatment in interactions between the police and the public. Additionally, it examines the perceptions of police legitimacy among Nigerian citizens and investigates how these perceptions influence cooperation with police and compliance with the law. This research, however, extends beyond the present-day scenario to explore the historical backdrop of law-abiding behaviour and adjudication of justice. It delves into the precolonial era, uncovering traditional policing methods and systems that existed before the advent of colonial rule. This investigation sheds light on the enduring influence of these precolonial policing practices on the current law enforcement apparatus in Nigeria. Furthermore, the study critically analyses the impact of British colonial rule on the development of policing in Nigeria. It investigates how colonial policies, structures, and practices have shaped the contemporary law enforcement system, affected perceptions of justice, and left an enduring legacy that continues to influence policing in the post-colonial era. The insights gained from this study not only contribute to an enhanced understanding of procedural justice and police legitimacy in Nigeria but also hold relevance for police reform and innovation efforts in Nigeria and other countries within the Global South.

Author

• Oluwagbenga Michael Akinlabi, Northumbria University