RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CRIMINAL PROFILING AND THE ENDSARS PROTESTS IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT The #EndSARS protest, which erupted in Nigeria in October 2020, was a significant response to long-standing issues of police brutality, corruption, and abuse of power within the Nigerian Police Force, particularly by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). This research explores the relationship between criminal profiling and the #EndSARS protests, focusing on how the misuse of criminal profiling techniques by law enforcement contributed to the widespread grievances that fueled the protests. The research critically examines the concept of criminal profiling within law enforcement, identifying its applications and implications in Nigeria. It highlights how biased profiling practices, based on appearance, social status, or location, led to arbitrary arrests, extortion, and harassment of young people, exacerbating public distrust and igniting social unrest. The research also delves into the historical context of policing in Nigeria, the factors leading to the #EndSARS protests, and the public perception of the police force. Through a comprehensive analysis, this work underscores the need for police reform, advocating for fair and evidence-based policing practices to rebuild trust between law enforcement and the public. The findings of this research are significant in educating the public on the impact of criminal profiling and providing valuable insights for future research on law enforcement practices in Nigeria. This research contributes to the broader discourse on social justice and human rights, emphasizing the importance of accountability and systemic reform in achieving equitable law enforcement.