₦airaland Forum

I would like to report an incident that occurred this morning at approximately 9:00 AM at the Ikorodu Police Station.

Earlier, around 08:20 AM, I was robbed by two individuals at the BRT station in Ketu. The robbery was carried out through intimidation and force. Although I am physically capable of defending myself, I chose not to escalate the situation because I suspected they might have been carrying a concealed weapon. I prioritized my safety and allowed them to take what they wanted.

After arriving safely in Ikorodu, I decided to visit the police station — not only to report the robbery but also to inquire whether the Nigerian Police Force offers any form of combat or self-defense training for citizens. My intention was simply to seek information that could help me better protect myself in the future.

At the entrance of the station, I met five men. Two of them were wearing police vests and were eating; the other three were in plain clothes. I greeted them politely, and most responded except one officer who had his back turned to me.

I explained my robbery experience and asked about possible self-defense or training programs. One officer began explaining options such as constable training or the SPF. While I was listening and preparing to ask further questions, another officer who had been backing me suddenly turned around and aggressively shouted, “My friend, go join the Constable or the SPF or get out of here!”

I calmly responded, “But sir, I am asking for information.” Before I could say anything further, he faced me angrily and began physically pushing me out of the station entrance.

I asked whether it was wrong to report being robbed and seek help. Instead of responding professionally, he mocked my appearance, asking if I was a woman to have my hair woven, and went as far as saying that I was responsible for being robbed. I found these comments unnecessary and deeply unprofessional.

As I tried to maintain my balance while being pushed, other men outside the gate joined in pushing me out, asking if I knew who I was talking to. I was treated as though I was a criminal rather than a citizen seeking assistance.

In frustration, I said, “This is why Nigerian youth don’t like the police.” One of the officers replied, “We also don’t like you people.”

While I was standing outside in shock, the officer who had initially spoken to me later advised me to visit the Ikeja Headquarters and ask for the SOT office to continue from there.

The reason I am sharing this is not to attack the entire Nigerian Police Force but to document my experience. I have always tried to be a law-abiding citizen. Unfortunately, I have consistently experienced profiling and hostility, often because of my physique and appearance. Today’s incident reinforced my disappointment.

It is troubling to seek help from your own country’s police after being robbed, only to be treated with aggression and disrespect — especially over something as trivial as having braided hair.

I am sharing this in the hope that accountability and professionalism can improve, because citizens should not be discouraged from seeking help.

Your interaction looks like a comedy script from a Nollywood movie but that's beside the point.

First why really does the Nigerian police not have any form of self defence training for citizens...this should be look into in all honesty

Sorry that you had to go through that ordeal, I have experience something similar..it's makes you feel powerless and helpless and you will want to do anything you can just to make sure you are ready if ever you find yourself in such situations...but don heed to that thought, trust me it won't end well....try to live your life and put that incident behind you.

You are waiting for Nigeria police to teach you self defense so that you will use it against them whenever they want to arrest you 🤣😃😁😁😂

FortCavazosKnox:
You are waiting for Nigeria police to teach you self defense so that you will use it against them whenever they want to arrest you 🤣😃😁😁😂

Now this is crazy for real though 🤣 🤣 🤣

brainycaleb:
I would like to report an incident that occurred this morning at approximately 9:00 AM at the Ikorodu Police Station.

Earlier, around 08:20 AM, I was robbed by two individuals at the BRT station in Ketu. The robbery was carried out through intimidation and force. Although I am physically capable of defending myself, I chose not to escalate the situation because I suspected they might have been carrying a concealed weapon. I prioritized my safety and allowed them to take what they wanted.

After arriving safely in Ikorodu, I decided to visit the police station — not only to report the robbery but also to inquire whether the Nigerian Police Force offers any form of combat or self-defense training for citizens. My intention was simply to seek information that could help me better protect myself in the future.

At the entrance of the station, I met five men. Two of them were wearing police vests and were eating; the other three were in plain clothes. I greeted them politely, and most responded except one officer who had his back turned to me.

I explained my robbery experience and asked about possible self-defense or training programs. One officer began explaining options such as constable training or the SPF. While I was listening and preparing to ask further questions, another officer who had been backing me suddenly turned around and aggressively shouted, “My friend, go join the Constable or the SPF or get out of here!”

I calmly responded, “But sir, I am asking for information.” Before I could say anything further, he faced me angrily and began physically pushing me out of the station entrance.

I asked whether it was wrong to report being robbed and seek help. Instead of responding professionally, he mocked my appearance, asking if I was a woman to have my hair woven, and went as far as saying that I was responsible for being robbed. I found these comments unnecessary and deeply unprofessional.

As I tried to maintain my balance while being pushed, other men outside the gate joined in pushing me out, asking if I knew who I was talking to. I was treated as though I was a criminal rather than a citizen seeking assistance.

In frustration, I said, “This is why Nigerian youth don’t like the police.” One of the officers replied, “We also don’t like you people.”

While I was standing outside in shock, the officer who had initially spoken to me later advised me to visit the Ikeja Headquarters and ask for the SOT office to continue from there.

The reason I am sharing this is not to attack the entire Nigerian Police Force but to document my experience. I have always tried to be a law-abiding citizen. Unfortunately, I have consistently experienced profiling and hostility, often because of my physique and appearance. Today’s incident reinforced my disappointment.

It is troubling to seek help from your own country’s police after being robbed, only to be treated with aggression and disrespect — especially over something as trivial as having braided hair.

I am sharing this in the hope that accountability and professionalism can improve, because citizens should not be discouraged from seeking help.

But the question remains:
Is your hair woven like that of a woman?

QuinQ:
But the question remains:
Is your hair woven like that of a woman?

And? That gives the police the effrontery to be uncivil and unprofessional in carrying out their duties?

Did you think this question through before posting it?

brainycaleb:
And? That gives the police the effrontery to be uncivil and unprofessional in carrying out their duties?

Did you think this question through before posting it?

It's just a question. A very simple and polite one at that:
Was your hair woven like that of a woman?

QuinQ:
It's just a question. A very simple and polite one at that:
Was your hair woven like that of a woman?

Been offline, Yes, My own hair was woven but not like a woman’s!

brainycaleb:
Been offline, Yes, My own hair was woven but not like a woman’s!

Voila!

QuinQQ:
Voila!

Voila!

brainycaleb:
Voila!

There, you identified the problem.
Put your hair normal, no more problem

QuinQQ:
There, you identified the problem.
Put your hair normal, no more problem

What you’re telling me right now is that if I had my hair cut or loosened, I wouldn’t have been robbed? And the police would not behave violently towards me when I went to them for help?

With such a clueless bias about appearance, I am beginning to wonder the kind of thoughts that go through your mind and how much knowledge/information you massively need to evolve into a better thinking individual!

brainycaleb:
What you’re telling me right now is that if I had my hair cut or loosened, I wouldn’t have been robbed? And the police would not behave violently towards me when I went to them for help?

With such a clueless bias about appearance, I am beginning to wonder the kind of thoughts that go through your mind and how much knowledge/information you massively need to evolve into a better thinking individual!

Notice I was not saying it is right. I'm just stating how things are:
Woven hair - problem
Unwove hair - no problem