In Search of a Centralized Criminal Database and Police-Managed Law Enforcement Database in Nigeria

   

In Search of a Centralized Criminal Database and Police-Managed Law Enforcement Database in Nigeria

How is it possible that in this modern age, the Nigeria Police lacks its own crime database and does not manage a centralized crime database for the law enforcement community in Nigeria? How can the Nigeria Police use a crime database sparingly, treating it as optional rather than essential for its duties? It raises questions about the Police's role in coordinating criminal databases, despite the authority granted to it in Section 4 of Part II of the Police Act 2020.

These scenarios are possible because this is Nigeria, where the Nigerian CHARACTER and the Nigerian FACTOR often turn the impossible into reality. The questions posed arise from the insights gained from the complaints and grievances of victims and countries affected by the Nigerian government's complicity in mismanaging law enforcement. This situation persists in 21st century Nigeria, not in the 19th century colonial context.

These questions are crucial. The Nigeria Police, as the lead agency in policing and law enforcement, should provide answers. However, obtaining these answers is challenging due to a lack of accountability and transparency.

This is the 21st century, characterized by the Fourth Industrial Revolution—a time of constant change in ideas, institutions, and people. Yet, the Nigeria Police remains static, struggling to adapt within this technological landscape. Where does the Nigeria Police fit into the governance of crime in this era, especially without proper data and databases? The uniqueness of the 21st century lies in the effective use of technology for managing resources.

What is the nature and purpose of government and governance in Nigeria? If we accept the definitions of “national security” as outlined in Sections 5 and 14 of the 1999 Constitution, what does this imply for the lives of Nigerians without the necessary data to enforce it? Is the Nigerian government neglectful in recognizing the need for crime data and databases in today’s world? Does it genuinely want to combat crime? Is it committed to equipping the Nigeria Police for this task? Have the political dynamics surrounding security issues blinded the government to the importance of such infrastructure?

Is the leadership of the Nigeria Police genuinely interested in addressing crime? How can the government effectively combat crime without a central criminal database? What is the leadership's stance over the past 25 years regarding the management of such databases? Are they aware of the value of centralized data for law enforcement? What is the reality of interagency cooperation in fighting crime without a centralized database, considering the Police Act empowers the Nigeria Police to facilitate this?

Are the Nigeria Police and its leadership aware of the relevant sections of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and the Police Act 2020 that mandate them to build and manage a central criminal database? How does the government function without these essential tools?

Whose responsibility is it to address these questions? The Nigerian government must lead in providing answers, while the Nigeria Police leadership should draw attention to these needs. Has the Police leadership acted over the years to highlight the logistical requirements for fulfilling its mandates? If prior leadership made no efforts, what has the current leadership achieved in advocating for necessary data infrastructure?

There are two main issues at hand: whether there exists a central criminal database managed by the Nigeria Police and whether there is a centralized law enforcement database.

The first issue pertains to the Police's mandate, as defined in the relevant laws, including the 1999 Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and the Police Act 2020. Recently, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) announced significant achievements in securing convictions, raising questions about the sources of these statistics given the poor compliance with data collection mandates. How did the IGP arrive at these figures without a supporting database?

The envisioned crime and incident database should include biometrics, fingerprints, case management, and status updates. Are police formations across the country implementing these measures in their daily operations? Does the Nigeria Police maintain a centralized data bank?

If the Nigeria Police cannot manage its own criminal database, how can it effectively address crime and criminality? The need for a centralized data system for law enforcement cannot be overstated. Such a system would facilitate crime analysis and information sharing among agencies, starting with the Nigeria Police and extending to various law enforcement bodies. The Police Act empowers the Nigeria Police to oversee investigations and prosecutions across all areas, making it crucial for them to manage a centralized law enforcement database.

The existence of such a database would enable the Nigeria Police to provide comprehensive information necessary for maintaining law and order. This central database should serve as a one-stop resource for information on individuals and organizations in Nigeria, as mandated by law.

In many countries, police agencies manage their own crime data and databases. Why is Nigeria different? What factors hinder the Nigeria Police from establishing and maintaining a centralized database? Is the failure solely the responsibility of police leadership, or does it stem from governmental neglect? Are rivalries among agencies obstructing the establishment of this critical infrastructure?

What role have various agencies played in undermining the Nigeria Police's ability to manage its data? The growing role of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) raises questions about its intentions in relation to the Nigeria Police's authority.

Where do other agencies store their case data? Who is responsible for managing this information? Section 4(d) of the Police Act supports the Nigeria Police's role in enforcing laws and regulations. What is the status of a centralized law enforcement database to which all case data can be transferred?

If such a database does not exist, why not? Over the past fifteen years of combating various criminal activities, where is the data supporting these efforts? Are rivalries among agencies preventing the Nigeria Police from fulfilling its responsibilities?

The Nigeria Police, unlike any other law enforcement agency in Nigeria, often undermines itself. This self-sabotage is rooted in a historical context of military rule and socio-political stigmatization. The political class tends to favor the military, leaving the Police in a subordinate role.

The insights presented here are informed by the frustrations expressed by international organizations regarding law enforcement in Nigeria. What is the current leadership of the Nigeria Police doing to address the gaps in data management? The absence of a centralized database has led to negative consequences for Nigerians seeking visas abroad, as embassies scrutinize applications due to concerns over the integrity of documents issued by the Nigeria Police.

In conclusion, the Nigeria Police must confront its shortcomings in data management. The question remains: how long will Nigerians endure humiliation due to the failures of their government and its agencies? Who is accountable for the current state of affairs? The Inspector General of Police must clarify the discrepancies between reported statistics and the reality of data management.

— Dr. Adoyi ONOJA