Lagosians ‘roast’ Police PRO on Twitter after he announced results of his social experiment
Lagos Police Command’s spokesperson, Ben Hundeyin, is not having it easy on Twitter right now.
But the trouble was caused by him.
He took to Twitter to announce the result of a social experiment he carried out in Lagos, driving around in mufti at night and testing the waters with the policemen on patrol.
The key nugget he wanted to draw out of his experience is that you can drive around Lagos and not be harassed by policemen if you conducted yourself decently.
Lagosians would not let the nuggets sink in nicely. They have come at him ferociously, pointing out the flaws in the so-called social experiment he carried out.
Reactions have been fast and furious, driving ‘Ben Hundeyin’ to the top of the trending topics in Lagos today, Friday, September 23, 2022.
This is how it started. The Police officer wrote:
“I finally carried out my social experiment. I drove around Ikeja at about 11:50 pm, in mufti, in a private car. I passed through two police points. I spent five seconds at the first without a word from the police officer. He simply waved me on.
I spent thirty seconds at the second.
Officer: You be Uber?
Me: No. it’s my personal car.
Officer: Find me something na.
Me: I no get anything.
Officer: See as you fine. Find me something na.
Me: (silence).
Officer: Oya, dey go.
On both occasions, immediately I was flagged down, I switched on the cabin light and wound down the glass on my side. I greeted first. In addition to this, in the second scenario, I smiled and deliberately appeared friendly.
Note: They did not recognize me; neither did I identify myself. It never got to that. Papers weren’t even asked for. I am positive there are many people with similar experiences out there. Different strokes for different folks, I know. One thing is sure, however.
Respect is reciprocal. Appreciate those who stand out there all day and night for lesser pay. Don’t be condescending. Don’t be unnecessarily aggressive. Don’t be docile too. Always be firm with your rights. And don’t resort to taking the laws in your hands.
There isn’t Utopia anywhere. Report the few bad eggs and we will continue to do internal cleansing. Thought to share my social experiment. Will tinker with the variables next time.
ADDENDUM: This isn’t to invalidate or trivialize the bad experiences some motorists and commuters have had. Absolutely not.”
While some commended him, very many others accused him of trying desperately to whitewash the very dirty image of the police.
Social media activist, @SavvyRinu wrote:
“1. You are not a young person struggling to make a living in Nigeria.
- You are a police PRO who never experienced brutality in his life but needs to show that police harassment doesn’t exist.
This planned PR is failing, Oga Hundeyin. Go & re-strategize.”
@IamDaisy001: “The essence of this thread is to invalidate the claims of the citizens thereby saying they’re lying? Well done boss! Waiting for your next experiment.”
@AhanotuIkenna “This isn’t even worthy to be called a social experiment. Next time, go with some of your guys (some should be on dreads, have tattoos), keep a laptop in the car, maybe drive a G-Wagon, let your guys be smoking inside the car. When all this is done, come back & tell us.”
@Sholexx_: “I’ve driven in Lagos for several years and I’ve not had any bad experience with the Police aside from “ma’am you’re very beautiful, anything for the boys?” At times, I give, other times, I don’t. In those occasions I don’t give, they let me go.
Thanks for your effort Ben!!!”
@rahaman_yusuf: “Please try and drive down to Orile Iganmu under Apapa LCDA or Amukoko Under Ifelodun LCDA and the wonders they perform around that axis..policemen with uniform will stand In front of their station to extort transporters (Keke riders and Danfo driver)”
@Barbie1Monty: “That’s because it’s Ikeja, police are always careful as there are influential people living there. You only tried one area, try more before making your deductions..”
Heimerdinger: “Oga come Festac, Mile 2, Ikorodu road, Gbagada and Bariga side. Dem dey fear Ikeja area cuz its the capital of Lagos, government officials full that side. Enter trenches area first”.
@elMunir5: “As a scientist who happens to know something about setting up an experiment, this is extremely dumb.”
