How Behind Bars Initiative Rescued Three Nigerians In Edo State From SARS

Mr. Gwamnishu Harrison

A non governmental organization known as Behind Bars Initiative headed by former awaiting trial inmate Mr. Gwamnishu Harrison has rescued three Nigerians in Benin City, Edo state from the hands of Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), Edo State Police Command over alleged fraud.

Below is what the founder of the group wrote:

Exactly 6am this morning, I left Asaba to Edo State to board 10:30am Arik Flight to Lagos.

Unfortunately, I missed the flight due to delays caused by bad roads and traffic.

I was bitter and at the same time confused as i had no money with me to reschedule the flight or book another available flight Airpeace to continue my journey to Lagos.

Few hours I received credit alert from my wife and I rushed to nearby ATM machine along airport road Benin. At the ATM Booth, I noticed the guy standing beside had blood stained in his cloths. I noticed he was looking back and the exact location he kept looking, i saw a dark blue Hilux parked with Police men sitting inside.


This time, I sensed something was wrong, I was feeling uncomfortable and summoned courage and asked the young man " Bro, hope all is well? he stared at me and pretended as if he didn't hear me. I asked again, Bro, What's wrong? You don't look good. He came closer and opened up to me that those Police waiting across the road arrested him, his brother and a friend along Ring Road and charged them for fraud. I immediately asked, why was his shirt stained with blood and he replied that when they stopped them, they told him to unlock his phone and he refused and they all bounced on him.

This time, the story was becoming interesting and I asked to know why they are at the ATM. He told me on their way to the station, he, his brother and Friend decided to settle them so they can go. "We negotiated with them and we were told to pay 400,000 but we agreed to pay 280,000, that failing to pay immediately, they will hand us over to EFCC and publish our pictures on newspapers"

The lady standing close to us who heard our conversation asked "ARE YOU GUYS YAHOO BOYS?" I immediately replied her "WHAT IS YAHOO? she starred at me and replied " OGA SORRY OOOO"

I brought out my ID card, business card showed to the boy (Johnson) and told him
"Nobody is sending you to prison, nobody has the right to extort money from you. If they had any evidence against you, ATM machine is not police station. Don't withdraw  any money wait for me. I went inside the bank (Zenith Bank Airport Road Benin) and asked the bank Security guard to see the Police officer on duty. He showed me and i introduced myself and explained in details what transpired. The Police Corporal (Corporal shaibu) apologized on their behalf and told me their arrest was illegal, unlawful and abuse of rule of law.  The young man was still standing close to the ATM machine and Corporal Shaibu crossed to meet the SARS Squad.

Few minutes later, he returned with one of the SARS officer and told me to please join them in his office (Security post)

After long interesting conversation, they assured me they will release the three and tendered apology to me. The SARS team leader is from Ika (Name withheld).

I exchanged contact with Johnson, gave him my business card and told him to update me. I quickly withdrew my cash and headed to Iyare motor park.

Entering Lagos, I received a thank you Message from Johnson.

As long as we compromise we loose.
As long as we are silent there is oppression. Change occurs only when we fight injustice.

When I say fight injustice it doesn't mean we have to use violence as the weapon. We can do it with peace, patience and intelligence. But don't stop responding against injustice.

If we succeed in doing it or not, keep trying. There must be a first step which may be followed by tens, hundreds ,thousands, millions, billions........ Let us not wait for someone to help us. Let us help ourself.
RESPOND DON'T REACT

Bail is free!

God bless Nigeria
God bless Delta State

Prince Gwamnishu Harrison
CEO Behind Bars Initiative (BBI)
harrymoody30@gmail.com