Knowledge and Willingness of University of Ibadan Graduate Students regarding Seeking Redress against Police Misconduct in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the knowledge and willingness of University of Ibadan graduate students regarding seeking redress against professional misconduct by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force. The theory of reasoned action was adopted as the conceptual framework. Data were accessed through survey and in-depth interview methods. The results showed that 55.2% of students were unaware of the available internal channels through which redress can be sought. More than half (52%) were unwilling to seek redress against police misconduct for a variety of reasons. There was no association (χ2 = 3.340; P > 0.05) between respondents’ gender and the gender of police officials they were willing to report. It is imperative that the Police Service Commission and the management of the Nigeria Police Force develop viable strategies through which the public can be adequately sensitised regarding the available channels and the steps that can be taken to file complaints against misuse of power by police personnel.