Nigerian singer Skales has taken to social media to vent his anger at the Nigerian police for too many roadblocks, particularly along Lagos’s busy Orchid Road. On October 28, 2024, in a daring post, Skales took to his page to express frustration over what he described as an abuse of authority, by officers who had the audacity to target drivers of luxury cars shamelessly for harassment and handouts.
Skales, in sending his messages, did not spare words as he referred to the police as “horrible set of humans” who make use of their privileges to stress ordinary citizens, many of whom were stressed up themselves. He accused them of mounting “checkpoint after checkpoint” with one apparent purpose, to profile, stop, and ultimately beg from those they perceive to be wealthy, particularly those driving Benz cars. These officers, according to the artist, are placing unnecessary pressures on young people instead of upholding the law and serving with honor.
Orchid Road has been referred to as a busy route now grown into a notorious hotbed for these repeated stops, reportedly with up to four checkpoints within the confines of the brief two-minute drive. Skales is quoted as saying he will take this harassment to the cameras and thereby to the public if it happens continuously, threatening to wear body cameras just to hold the officers accountable.
The artist’s comments seemed to strike a chord among Nigerians on social media, many of whom shared their own grievances about police conduct on the roads. His comments also reflected the bigger problem of police-citizen relations in Nigeria, spurring further conversation about civilian treatment and the need for accountability in law enforcement.
