By O.V.Collins
In a disturbing incident that highlights concerns over police brutality in Benin City, a final year Biochemistry student at the University of Benin recently had a troubling encounter with unidentified police officers at Wire Road, Benin city, on Saturday, 28th October, 2023.
The student, who wishes to be Identified simply as ‘Kay,’ when contacted by the ACJ UNIBEN recounted the ordeal that took place on Saturday night when he was out to pick up his brother from a park in Benin city. Wearing a pair of joggers, he was stopped by the police around 7:30PM, and his Bolt ride was subjected to a thorough search.
The encounter took an alarming turn when the police officers discovered an empty pack of Plan B pills in his pocket. According to the victim, the police alleged that this over-the-counter contraceptive pill was an abortion pill and proceeded to detain him.
Despite the lack of proper identification, the officers reportedly tried to force the student into their Hilux. However, the victim, maintaining his composure, asserted his rights and refused to comply with their demands. “Me? Follow you into your hilux like a criminal for having empty plan b packets on me? Not me. I’m gentle, but I’m directly descended from Oranmiyan. I’ll stand my ground when push comes to shove,” Kay said on his WhatsApp status update on Sunday morning.
The situation escalated when he threatened to call his father, who is a retired federal auditor in the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation. The mention of his father’s title seemed to catch the attention of the officers’ superior, who intervened and began to de-escalate the situation.
It was only after the victim, a budding biochemist, provided the police with a detailed explanation of how Plan B pills work that the officers seemingly realized they had made a mistake. They inquired about his student status, to which he confirmed that he was a student at the University of Benin.
The incident eventually concluded with the officers asking him to leave. Nevertheless, the encounter left the victim deeply unsettled and prompted him to report the incident to the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) in Benin City and renowned Nigerian journalist Fisayo Soyombo.
This incident underscores the broader issue of police harassment in Nigeria, particularly targeting young men who often find themselves wrongfully accused and detained. Many individuals are calling for young people to prepare for a future abroad, citing the importance of acquiring internationally recognized skills and certifications to secure opportunities outside the country.
“…I was being dragged and all… the policemen on wire road(that NTA road are notorious for it) they stop almost every young guy who looks nice, and start serious harassment once it starts getting dark. They also don’t wear name tags or means of identification,” the victim said in a chat with the ACJ UNIBEN.
This unsettling encounter serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by young people in Nigeria and the urgent need for reform within law enforcement agencies to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights and wellbeing.
“I know it’s going to get worse when I get a car after graduation. See, if you’re a young man, there’s nothing here for you. Especially if you’re legit (I mean no offense to anyone), but you’ll be treated like a criminal all the same. Stay low-key, stack up internationally viable skills and certifications, and get out.” Kay advised.
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