Brain Jotter’s Experience Raises Fresh Questions Over Lagos Street Extortion
By Kehinde Adeleye
The recent alleged harassment of comedian and content creator, Chukwuebuka Amuzie, popularly known as Brain Jotter, by suspected Lagos hoodlums has renewed concerns over the growing practice of demanding money from celebrities, motorists and other members of the public.
Brain Jotter raised the alarm after allegedly being confronted by a group of men while driving on a Lagos road.
The comedian shared a video of the incident on his Instagram page on Tuesday, showing the men around his vehicle and reportedly demanding money before allowing him to continue his journey.
His experience has drawn attention to the activities of suspected street urchins who have repeatedly been accused of harassing and extorting motorists, entertainers and residents in different parts of Lagos.
The incident came days after Saltiana, the younger sister of Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr, also alleged that suspected area boys damaged her vehicle after reportedly mistaking her for the singer.
Saltiana, popularly known as DJ Salt of Life, said the men called her sister’s name before attacking her vehicle after she refused to give them money.
Medical doctor Olusina Ajidahun, popularly known as The Bearded Sina, and music video director ThankGod Omori, aka TG Omori, have also separately recounted alleged encounters with hoodlums while carrying out professional activities in Lagos.
Ajidahun alleged that hoodlums disrupted a free medical outreach in Mushin and demanded money, threatening to cause a disturbance if their demands were not met.
The repeated incidents have raised questions about whether the culture of giving cash to street urchins by celebrities, influencers and other members of the public could be encouraging the behaviour.
Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, had previously warned that cash handouts to hoodlums could undermine government efforts to tackle street urchin activities by creating the impression that the streets are a source of income.
The issue has therefore prompted a wider debate over whether refusing to give money to such groups could help reduce street harassment and extortion.
However, tackling the problem would also require effective enforcement to ensure that motorists and other residents who refuse illegal demands are protected from intimidation, harassment or violence.
The Lagos State Government has continued to announce operations targeting suspected hoodlums accused of harassing and extorting motorists in different parts of the state.
The recent allegations involving Brain Jotter and other public figures have once again highlighted the need for stronger enforcement and a rethink of the informal practice of paying money to avoid confrontation on Lagos streets.
