Popular Nigerian comedian and content creator, Chukwuebuka Amuzie, popularly known as Brain Jotter, has raised concerns over alleged harassment and extortion by suspected street hoodlums in Lagos.
The comedian shared a video of the incident on his Instagram page on Tuesday, showing a group of men confronting him while he was driving on a Lagos road.
According to Brain Jotter, the men allegedly demanded money from him before allowing him to continue his journey. The comedian expressed his frustration over the incident while sharing the video with his followers.
In the caption accompanying the video, Brain Jotter wrote: “Nigerian zoo keepers are the worst. We lack good wildlife and they let a lion escape from the zoo. This is sad.”
The incident has renewed concerns over the activities of suspected street hoodlums in parts of Lagos, particularly allegations of harassment, intimidation and extortion involving motorists, entertainers, professionals and other residents.
Brain Jotter’s experience comes only days after Saltiana, the younger sister of Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr, alleged that suspected area boys attacked and damaged her vehicle after reportedly mistaking her for the singer.
Saltiana, popularly known as DJ Salt of Life, claimed that the men called out her sister’s name and demanded money from her. According to her account, they allegedly became aggressive and damaged her vehicle after she refused to comply with their demands.
There have also been other recent complaints involving professionals working in Lagos.
Medical doctor Olusina Ajidahun, popularly known as The Bearded Sina, alleged that suspected hoodlums disrupted a free medical outreach in Mushin and demanded money from the organisers. He claimed that the men threatened to cause a disturbance if their demands were not met.
Similarly, music video director ThankGod Omori, better known as TG Omori, has previously recounted an alleged encounter with suspected hoodlums while carrying out professional activities in Lagos.
The repeated allegations have continued to draw attention to concerns over street harassment and extortion in the state, particularly the impact on residents, businesses, motorists and public events.
The Lagos State Government has previously announced measures aimed at tackling the activities of street urchins and removing them from major roads and public spaces.
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, had also warned that giving cash directly to street hoodlums could undermine government efforts to address the problem.
Wahab said cash handouts by celebrities, influencers and members of the public could reinforce the perception among some street urchins that harassment and extortion are legitimate means of earning a livelihood.
The latest allegation by Brain Jotter has therefore added to growing calls for stronger enforcement and more effective measures to protect residents and motorists from alleged harassment and extortion on Lagos roads.
Newday Reporters
