Thread by @realjay01

So I had a brush up with SARS today. Turns out that what I have been seeing on the TL is real. Certainly felt good to be a lawyer today.
#EndSARS

A short thread.

I and a couple of tenants from my compound were on our way to NEPA office to complain about the exhorbitant bills we were recieving as if we are mining Bitcoin or it's a bakery (almost 300k!). One of us asked we stop along the way so he could use the ATM...
#EndSARS

While we were chilling in the car waiting for him, a sienna car with no plate number suddenly pulled up in front of us, reversed in such a manner that we couldn't drive off without hitting it, and four armed policemen jumped out of the car...
#EndSARS

It was like a film. They came and asked all of us to get out of the car. Infact as soon as I saw them, I quickly opened my door and went out to meet them. They said we should all enter into their car, pointing their guns in a menacing manner. I was like what??
#EndSARS

I quickly identified myself and asked why they were harassing us. I said they had no right. You can't tell me to enter your vehicle without even identifying yourself and stating the offence you think I committed. I told them we are not going anywhere with them.
#EndSARS

They wanted to search the car and I resisted them again. Kept reiterating the fact that I am a lawyer and I know what they can and cannot do. They realised the market don de spoil. They suddenly switched their attention to one of the tenants who has dreadlocks

#ENDSARS

That what does he do for a living and all those funny questions. I quickly interjected once more and told them off.
They soon realised nothing good or worthwhile was going to come out of this particular encounter and they suddenly started laughing and joking with us.😂
#EndSARS

They entered their unmarked vehicle and drove off. It was a harrowing experience because I can imagine many young people who do not know their rights and are intimidated everyday by these perpetrators of lawlessness.
#EndSARS

So a quick note of some rights you should know.
1. You can ask a policeman to identify himself. He must show you an ID card or a means of identification.
NOTE: A GUN IS NOT AN IDENTIFICATION
2. You have the right to know what you have been pulled over or stopped for.
#EndSARS

They must tell you the offence they think you have committed unless of course you were caught in the act.
Until this is done, do not agree to go anywhere with them.

The short thread is becoming long so I'll stop here.
Stay safe folks and know your rights.
END
#EndSARS

ALSO IMPORTANT TO NOTE IS THIS
Be friendly, polite but firm. Your aim is to get out of there unscathed. So while stating your rights, do not insult them or aggravate the situation in any way. You may have rights, but they have guns.
#ENDSARS