A Thief Is a Thief — Peter Obi Fires Ethnic Profiling Warning

A Thief Is a Thief — Peter Obi Fires Ethnic Profiling Warning

Former presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned the rising tendency to associate crime with specific ethnic groups in Nigeria, warning that such narratives fuel division and weaken national unity.

Obi made the remarks in a post on X, where he said he has personally experienced stereotypes and negative labelling because of his Igbo identity, adding that many Nigerians across different ethnic groups have faced similar treatment.

He stressed that judging people based on ethnicity rather than individual actions is both unfair and dangerous, noting that it deepens suspicion among communities and distracts from addressing real security challenges.

According to him, ordinary Fulani people, like others across the country, often suffer unfair blame for crimes committed by individuals they have no connection with.

He insisted that criminal behaviour should never be tied to ethnic identity, stating that offenders must be identified strictly by their actions.

In his words, “A thief is a thief, a terrorist is a terrorist, and a kidnapper is a kidnapper.”

Obi further argued that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength, not a basis for profiling or discrimination, adding that every ethnic group has its own culture, value, and contributions to national development.

He referenced global civil rights struggles, drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr.’s message that individuals should be judged by the content of their character rather than race or background.

The former Anambra State governor warned that ethnic profiling only fuels hatred, undermines trust, and worsens national tensions at a time when unity is critically needed.

He called on Nigerians to embrace fairness, mutual respect, and accountability, urging that justice should focus on evidence and individual responsibility rather than collective blame.