Table of Contents

  1. Public Debate Between Nigeria Police and Leo Da Silva
  2. Leo Da Silva's Concerns on Social Media
  3. Response from the Nigeria Police
  4. Leo Da Silva's Clarification

The Nigeria Police and former Big Brother Naija contestant, Leo Da Silva, have engaged in a public debate regarding strategies to tackle the “one chance” menace and individuals allegedly involved in street-level scams and petty crimes in various Nigerian cities.

On Sunday, Leo Da Silva took to X to voice his frustration with the current police deployment strategies. He questioned the effectiveness of roadside checkpoints and suggested that police efforts would be more productive if directed toward bus stops, where “one chance” operators are more prevalent.

“Nothing frustrates me more than ‘one chance’. It’s akin to mini kidnapping, mini banditry. Instead of the police setting up ineffective checkpoints to greet us, why not go to bus stops and investigate these one-chance operators and apprehend them?” he tweeted.

The reality TV star’s remarks prompted a response from the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, who stressed the importance of balancing enforcement strategies with the need to protect citizens from harassment.

“I am sure you would later complain about police harassment, profiling, and unnecessary delays at the bus stops. There are smarter approaches,” he responded.

“Let’s initiate efforts for 24/7 CCTV coverage of all bus stops. Just so you know, it’s not for us to install, but it would significantly assist us,” Hundeyin posted, advocating for technological solutions to enhance policing while minimizing friction with commuters.

Leo Da Silva later clarified that his primary concern was ensuring police resources are prioritized for directly addressing criminal activity rather than traditional checkpoints.

“I don’t understand what your initial statement means. Even if it doesn’t affect me, it’s a valid concern. Instead of deploying unnecessary checkpoints, why not suggest to the force that they should focus on apprehending one chance operators?”

“Utilize that manpower for that purpose. Especially in Abuja and Lagos,” he emphasized, pointing out the specific challenges faced in Nigeria’s capital cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “one chance” menace?

The “one chance” menace refers to a form of street-level scam in Nigeria where unsuspecting individuals are tricked into getting into vehicles that are not legitimate taxis, often leading to robbery or other criminal activities.

What was Leo Da Silva's suggestion to the police?

Leo Da Silva suggested that the police should focus their efforts on monitoring bus stops instead of setting up roadside checkpoints, as this is where “one chance” operators are more active.

How did the police respond to Leo's comments?

The police, represented by Benjamin Hundeyin, acknowledged Leo's concerns but emphasized the need for a balanced approach, suggesting the implementation of CCTV coverage at bus stops to enhance security without causing harassment to citizens.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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