A Nigerian man, Tomi Wojuola, has shared a cautionary and distressing tale of how his attempt to save a life led to him being accused of murder and extorted by officers of the Nigerian Police Force.
A Fateful Act of Kindness Turns Sour
Earlier this year, Tomi Wojuola encountered a young man who had collapsed on the road in Asaba. While others passed by, Wojuola decided to act. He called a doctor for advice and, following the guidance received, rushed the unconscious man to the nearest hospital. Tragically, the young man did not survive and was pronounced dead upon arrival.
In an effort to follow due process as a responsible citizen, Wojuola insisted that the police be informed since he was a stranger to the victim. This decision, he now says, was the beginning of a nightmare.
The Police Response: Accusations and Extortion
Wojuola was taken to the GRA Police Station in Asaba to report the incident. Instead of being thanked for his civic duty, he was treated as a prime suspect. He claims his statement was taken under caution, and he was accused of murder by the officers.
The situation escalated with the intervention of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Joseph Udoh. According to Wojuola, CSP Udoh told him he must "deal with him for acting like ‘Jesus’." The DPO allegedly stated that by the time he was finished, Wojuola would think twice before helping anyone in distress again. This threat was made even after the deceased's family confirmed their son had a pre-existing health condition.
Wojuola's account highlights a profound systemic issue: "I immediately understood why people make videos in such a situation and do not make an attempt to rescue the victim."
Escape and a Costly Release
Wojuola credits divine intervention and the help of a top government functionary for securing his release. However, his freedom came at a steep financial price. He alleges that even after the high-profile intervention, CSP Joseph Udoh and officers at the Asaba GRA Division demanded bail money that emptied his bank account.
"I went home with only Two thousand Naira," he lamented. As the year ends, he is expressing gratitude for surviving the ordeal but notes that many others are not so fortunate and remain imprisoned for lesser offences.
This incident raises serious questions about police conduct and the dangers faced by Good Samaritans in Nigeria. It serves as a stark warning about the potential consequences of helping strangers in a system where protocol can be weaponized against citizens.
