This is a thread of my encounter with the dreaded SARS #EndSARS
I was in an Uber somewhere between idimu and Egbeda, my vehicle was ambushed in broad daylight. 4 armed men wearing anti-cultism shirts came down from an SUV pointing riffles at me. I showed them my ID card thinking it was just routine stop and search...
A hefty looking one told me to follow them that I must be investigated. I asked him why and he said he would slap me if I say anything. With guns, numbers and might I was out numbered I feared for my life and decided against arguing....
On entering the SUV I saw that they had handcuffed two guys in the boot/back seat. They dropped the 3rd person there(in my mind they were making space for me. I was sandwiched between police men reeking of weed and alcohol with guns in their hands. They started the threats....
I was threatened to be shot, beaten and dragged round if I don’t acknowledge that I am a “yahoo boy”. Oga I no be yahoo boy... oya you be cultist. One was checking my body for tatoos, he found nothing. They went through my phone, forcing me to unlock it. Checked my debit alert...
At this point they said wanted to help me. How you go fresh like this and you no be yahoo boy. Oya repeat after me, I am a yahoo boy. Two innocent boys were handcuffed in their booth all this while. Then they began negotiating the terms by which they could “help” me....
He typed 600 on my phone and said that was the fee. I almost fainted. I told him I don’t have that kinda money. They threatened me some more, kept driving around aimlessly in a tinted vehicle. I was scared for my life honestly. These men were “high” and tipsy. He came down to 300
I told them all I had was 40k in my account. They had already seen my alerts so I could not even lie. They drove me to four different ATMs looking for the most strategic for them with least security.
They packed at a distance and had guns pointed my way. Held on to my phone and waited for me to bring the cash. I was distraught and helpless. I counted my last hard earned money and gave them. They gave me my phone and told me to thank them for helping me. I had to...
They drove off no evidence, no ID cards, no names, no official vehicle, just drunk men with guns. In my life I have never been more afraid. The Uber guy was nice he followed them all the way and dropped me off for free. #ENDSARS now
Thank you all, for the love and support. We all should be “allowed” to live in our country. Dressing up without fear of police profiling or extortion. Not every young man is a scammer and not everyone has an office job. As a graphic designer no dress code is needed. #EndSARS
