Wrongfully Accused. HoL 161

Humans of Lagos

"I had a horrific traumatizing night. It happened that my nineteen-year-old brother got missing.

He left the house telling those at home that he would not stay out for long.

Minutes gone, hours passed, and he was no where to be found.

Anxiety rose, panic ensued everywhere; yet he was no where in sight.

I called his friends but none could tell his whereabouts. The police asked we wait 24 hours before reporting him a missing person.

Our older brother began tracking his phone. It showed he was roving around Lagos. Everyone feared he had been captured by ritualists.

No one could sleep, and the night moved slowly like a tortoise in motion.

Eventually as the day broke, we received a SMS that was sent from his phone. It was from the police.

He had been in the police custody! Apprehended for the possession of Cannabis sativa that is criminalized in my country.

At the police station, it was discovered that his Motorcyclist (okada man) gave him the Nylon bag that contained the plant to hold in trust.

While the okada man ran away, when the police team stopped them, my brother was arrested.

His offence, possession of a cannabis with an intention to distribute it. A crime that carries a seven-year jail term.

Although, ignorance is no excuse, yet, the whole show looked more like a planned work. As the biker was left to run away, while the young man was arrested.

I'm however happy that everything was settled using high-level connections. Just as it's done in this country.

My friend in the UK told me that whatever the circumstances, it's a crime to help anyone hold his/her bag.

Now, my question is why do we keep clamoring for a culture that respects the elders while operating a foreign law that doesn't care about showing kindness?

© FERT, 2019