Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore accompanied a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, identified as Eze, to the NYSC office in Lagos on Tuesday. This followed a viral video that showed Eze being questioned by police officers over a misunderstanding.
The video, which spread quickly on social media, showed Eze in his NYSC uniform being interrogated by police. Many people online were concerned about his safety and why he was being questioned. Some claimed he was arrested for wearing his NYSC uniform, while others said it was a case of mistaken identity.
Sowore, who is known for advocating for citizens’ rights, stepped in to support Eze. Together, they visited the NYSC office to clarify the situation and ensure the matter was resolved properly. Sowore shared updates on social media, explaining that the incident was a misunderstanding and not an arrest.
According to Sowore, Eze was not detained by the police. Instead, he was questioned after being mistaken for someone else. The police officers involved later realized their error and allowed Eze to go. Sowore praised the police for handling the situation calmly once they understood the facts.
The NYSC also confirmed that Eze was not in any trouble. Officials at the Lagos office said the incident was a mix-up and assured the public that Eze’s status as a corps member was not affected. They thanked Sowore for his support and urged corps members to remain calm and focused on their duties.
The viral video had sparked widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over how young people, especially corps members, are treated. Some called for better protection for NYSC members, while others criticized the police for the confusion.
Sowore used the opportunity to call for better communication between law enforcement and citizens. He emphasized the need for police officers to verify information before taking action. He also encouraged young people to know their rights and speak up when necessary.
Eze, the corps member at the center of the controversy, thanked Sowore and others who supported him. He said the experience was stressful but expressed relief that the matter was resolved without further issues. He also urged his fellow corps members to stay out of trouble and focus on their service year.
This incident has once again highlighted the power of social media in drawing attention to public issues. While the video caused concern, it also led to a quick resolution thanks to the involvement of activists like Sowore and the cooperation of the NYSC and police.
For now, the matter has been settled, and Eze can continue his service without any disruptions. The NYSC and police have assured the public that they will work to prevent similar misunderstandings in the future.
