Fatai Owoseni, a retired Lagos State Commissioner of Police, highlighted the numerous challenges faced by law enforcement within the Nigerian criminal justice system, asserting that police officers are often victims rather than perpetrators. He spoke during an interview on News Central's 'A Place at the Table,' pointing out how the public frequently misjudges the police without understanding the underlying structural issues that hinder effective law enforcement.

Owoseni expressed that the systemic inefficiencies in the justice system leave police officers to operate under extremely difficult conditions, lacking essential resources which are crucial for their operations. He emphasized a personal anecdote reflecting these challenges, revealing that he once spent two million naira to treat a suspect before court. This, he argues, is an example of how police duties often extend beyond their conventional roles due to inadequate support and resources.

Through his statements, Owoseni calls for a shift in public perception around policing in Nigeria, urging citizens to recognize the pressures and constraints faced daily by police officers. He advocates for empathy towards law enforcement, arguing that improvements in the systemic structures surrounding the police could lead to better service delivery and public safety.