Reporters describe a troubling incident of alleged discriminatory policing involving Victor Uwagba, a well-known intercultural mediator in the community around Son Gotleu. He asserts that officers detained him on the basis of his skin color while he was returning from a paddle tennis session, and he condemns the encounter as racist. According to Uwagba, officers claimed that black individuals were carrying drugs, a remark he views as a harmful stereotype that reveals a prejudice rather than a legitimate safety concern.
The events occurred around midday on a Tuesday, near Indalecio Prieto street between El Rafal and Son Gotleu. Uwagba was riding his bike when a National Police vehicle abruptly blocked the path and officers exited quickly. He says they asked him repeatedly if he had ever been arrested, and they never explained the reason for the stop. He insisted that this was not the correct course of action and challenged the officers to provide a legitimate basis for their actions. The officers then reviewed all documents in great detail, examining every card as if they expected to uncover some infraction.
Uwagba recalls feeling vulnerable as he watched his belongings being scrutinized. Shoes were removed and placed on the ground, and he was instructed to remove his socks and sit. He describes this as a deeply upsetting moment that underscored the perceived power imbalance in the encounter.
Appearance of a witness
During the confrontation, a witness known to Uwagba observed the scene and questioned the officers. The mediator explained his role in promoting neighborhood diversity and his long-standing collaboration with the police. The officers reportedly responded by asserting that they acted against people they perceived as non-political because they might be carrying drugs. Uwagba expressed that the remark reflected a lack of intercultural competence and insisted that, if his country of origin was unknown to them, he should not be labeled with derogatory terms. Ultimately, the officers left with a warning that they might file charges for disobedience to authority, a consequence that further unsettled him. He recalls a troubling remark: authorities allegedly told him that white people like him were taught to refer to people of color using a pejorative term. He interpreted this as the mildest version of a broader pattern of bias he had encountered.
The Nigerian citizen subsequently filed a formal complaint with the Tribunal for civil treatment, describing the experience as utterly discriminatory. He provided details and outcomes he hoped would help identify the individuals involved, including a partial view of a license plate. He notes that, despite the emotional impact of the incident, he does not fault the entire police force, emphasizing that the issue appeared to stem from an individual officer rather than the institution as a whole. He has engaged in community mediation work for years and asserts that such treatment does not represent the values he associates with professional policing.
In reflecting on the experience, Uwagba describes the emotional toll as significant. He recalls feeling unable to eat after returning home and stresses the importance of vigilance against discrimination in law enforcement. He remains committed to constructive dialogue and cooperation with law enforcement, believing that respectful, issue-focused engagement benefits the whole community. The case continues to be reviewed by the Tribunal, and Uwagba hopes the process will bring clarity and accountability for all involved, while recognizing the ongoing work needed to build trust between residents and the police.