UK-Based Nigerian Replaces Stolen Shoes, Wristwatch of Kemi Badenoch’s Brother

A kind-hearted UK-based Nigerian has stepped in to replace the stolen shoes and wristwatch of Kemi Badenoch’s brother, showcasing an act of generosity and goodwill.

James Akinwande, a Nigerian man living in the United Kingdom, has replaced a pair of shoes and a wristwatch that were allegedly stolen from Kemi Badenoch’s brother. Badenoch is the leader of the UK’s Conservative Party.

Badenoch has recently claimed that officers from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) stole her brother’s belongings during an encounter.

In a recent interview, she characterized the officers’ actions as an abuse of power and pointed to the incident as indicative of systemic misconduct.

My experience with the police in Nigeria was quite negative; we often faced situations where they would rob us. However, when I moved to the UK, my initial encounter with the police was very positive.

“I recall the police taking my brother’s shoes and his watch. In such a poor country, people resort to all kinds of actions,” Badenoch mentioned in an interview from December 2024.

Her comments about Nigeria and its leadership have elicited mixed responses. Some Nigerians, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima, have accused her of consistently damaging the country’s reputation.

In reaction to her remarks, Akinwande filmed a video of himself buying shoes and a wristwatch at a store in the UK.

He subsequently went to the Conservative Party headquarters and gave the items to security staff, requesting that they be delivered to Badenoch.

At the conclusion of the video, Akinwande stated: “Representing every proud Nigerian who was genuinely affected by those baseless negative comments about the Nigerian Police, we are ‘buying back’ the stolen shoes and watch! (Hope they fit…).”

The video quickly went viral on social media, but Akinwande’s original post has been removed.

According to Akinwande’s Instagram profile, he serves as the international manager for renowned Nigerian comedian Kenny Blaq.