A video from 2018 showing a Metropolitan Police officer allegedly advising Nigerian women not to report domestic abuse to the police has resurfaced on social media, prompting an investigation.
Filmed at Divine Restoration International Church in Camberwell, the clip features a police staff member speaking to a group of mostly women, with three officers present. The video, which has sparked outrage from abuse charities, shows the officer speaking in both Yoruba and English. He discusses knife crime and expresses views on family dynamics, suggesting that Nigerian women in the UK behave “rudely” towards their husbands and should not call the police, but rather “manage it” themselves.
The UK Mirror has obtained the footage, which has now been referred to the Metropolitan Police’s standards unit. The children’s safeguarding group Afruca has condemned the officer’s remarks, describing them as advising victims to remain in abusive situations and avoid seeking police protection.
Debbie Ariyo, Chief Executive of Afruca, expressed her outrage, stating, “When I heard it, I was livid. The officer’s suggestion that women should not seek police help for abuse is unacceptable. Domestic violence encompasses more than just physical abuse; it includes emotional and sexual abuse as well. To tell women not to involve the police is to minimize these serious issues.”
Ariyo also highlighted concerns about violence against Black women, noting that data from the Metropolitan Police revealed that 43% of femicide victims in 2022 were Black, a higher proportion than any other ethnic group. “The lack of focus on violence against Black women, particularly in African and Caribbean communities, is troubling,” she said. “The officer’s comments undermine efforts to address these issues.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh responded to the situation, affirming that the officer’s comments do not reflect the Metropolitan Police’s stance on domestic abuse. “The remarks made by the staff member are incorrect and do not represent the Met’s position. There is no scenario where it is acceptable for a victim of domestic abuse not to report it to the police if they choose to do so,” Adjei-Addoh stated. “The Met is committed to supporting victims of domestic abuse through dedicated investigation teams and partnerships with local authorities and charities to encourage reporting and provide support.”
