#5 Unarmed Nigerians killed by Police

According to an article from Al Jazeera (An Arabic-Language News Network), 17 police officers we're apprehended and detained in the capital of Borno, Maiduguri due to a series of extra-judicial killings of unarmed Nigerians. Those gunned down belonged to a group called Boko Haram, which roughly translates to "Western Education Prohibited". Boko Haram believes that Islamic Law (Sharia) should be nationwide and without western influence.

While this group has been assoicated with acts of terrorism, such as the bombing of police stations, the members shown we're unarmed, handcuffed, and forced into a prone position as they we're shot.

These acts represent some of the current problems of Nigeria. Corruption seems to be rampant, with constant bribing and the occasional "disappearance" of someone of importance, as is the case with the leader of Boko Haram, who was one of the Nigerian's shot. If the Police is free to kill whom they please regardless if it is legal or not, or rather, has any repercussions then why have someone there to enforce the law if they need not abide by it themselves. This ties into the larger picture of the judicial system in Nigeria where Common Law, Sharia, English Law, and Constitutional Law all exist. With three legal systems bearing small differences and one that has heavy religious influence, it's interesting to think about how judgement on a case is decided at all.

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