Segun Aina/
Nigerians have faulted the advice by the police that citizens should demand to search policemen before allowing themselves or their property to be searched.
Harsh reactions trailed the tweet by the police via their official Twitter handle, @PoliceNG, advising citizens on their rights during a search by policemen.
The tweet read: “If an officer wants to search you in your house/car, he must first surrender himself for searching. This is the procedure. Ask politely. #AskThePolice.”
But Nigerians were quick to react to this advise, expressing serious doubt about its practicability, judging by the long history of police brutality against the citizens.
Former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, described the tweet as unserious, urging Nigerians to disregard in their own interest.
Odinkalu’s tweet with the handle, @ChidiOdinkalu, read: “If anyone seriously tells u to search these folks b4 they search u, the person sure doesn’t like u. #StaySafe!”
Rita Lord, with the handle, @LordRey6, said: “Don’t do it. Don’t confront nobody. They gon kill you in cold blood and NOTHING will happen. They’ve done it plenty times and nothing happened. Nigeria is a very lawless place as of today. That tweet will simply land people in trouble. We gotta be real.”
Another tweet by tHEenvironMANtalist, @tickin_clocks, simply read: “Imagine me searching SARS.”
Imaoyani, @imaoyani, tweeted: “They said it’s the procedure, not practice. We all know the practice..”
Sage, @Henryimalele, said: “I didn’t say oo, you are in the abroad and want to set me up that is in the Nigeria.”
S. Adeniyi Ajose Esq, @niggazoid, said: “I am a lawyer and I know all these things but truth be told, they are all theoritical. Policemen who wouldn’t even avail you with their ID card, are they the one’s that will give themselves up for searching. They go as far to plant things in people’s property to squeeze them.”
Officialobamoh, @obamohtoba1, said: “Ehn! I can’t imagine the kind of slap. Slap I will receive if I ask any officer to surrender him self first for search…. I pity my life ahead….”
Bamigboye Ayodele, @Lord_Obote, said: “Hahahaha.. funniest thing I’ve read on the internet today.”
Ekundayo Busayo, @busaur82, said: “They will beat nonsense out of that person and still frame you up……”
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