Nigerians are crying out over police
brutality meted out by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of
the Nigerian Police Force.
And while the conversations about
police reforms are ongoing, we take a look at a member of the force who
is a cop by day, and a musician by night.
Yomi
Sars, aka Gucci Mane Eko (Lagos Gucci Mane) is a 30 year-old singer and
rapper who combines tackling crime with recording and releasing music.
He’s a native of Lagos state, is popular in circles of the music
industry.
He makes music from the streets and for the
streets. A look through his growing discography sees him drawing
inspiration from the Lagos mainland, and turning that into music. His
delivery style is core street, where he freestyles in Yoruba, over heavy
beat. But he wasn’t always on the street. According to him, he was
attracted to the streets at an early age, and left home to go find his
path there.
“I was born with a silver spoon but I
left the confort of my home to be on the Street just as if I knew my mum
won’t stay on for long……I thank God who led my path on the street and
make me a better person.”
Yomi Sars is popular amongst
entertainers in the music industry. His position in the force, ensures
that he attracts the friendship of many entertainers. One of his closest
pals is Olamide, the indigenous rapper.
The
duo have a strong bond, appearing at numerous concerts together and
giving shout outs on social media. His other friendship circle include
A-list artists such as Pasuma Wonder, Reminisce, Wizkid, Phyno, Davido
and more.
His released records include ‘Japa’ (produced by Young Jonn), ‘Adoyoyo’, and ‘Gucci Mane Eko’.
Off
the mic, Yomi is actively involved with combating crime. He is
regularly involved in special missions. One of his mentors is Abba
Kyari, an assistant police commissioner of Lagos State has been labelled
‘Nigeria’s Jack Bauer‘ due to his effort in bringing high-profile
hoodlums and criminals to justice. Yomi works with Abba Kyari, and
sometimes share insights into the workings of the police.
“Yomi is a great guy,” says a police
officer, who refused to be named for this post. “He is a friend of
everyone, and we can all rely on him. That’s why he is popular to
everyone, and he has a good heart.”
Once during
an operation to catch kidnappers in Delta state, a cop was killed
during the ensuing shoot-out. Yomi too to Instagram to reflect upon it.
“We lost a brave officer yesterday was shot by a deadly kidnapper in
delta state…& was buried today….Inspr Rasheed Sanusi may ur soul
rest in peace….If I die today I die a hero cos my 21 gun salute must
complete,” he said.
Being a musician and a cop
means he is a prime target for criticism. He traverses both worlds,
drawing the ire of the public on social media who constantly question
his dedication to the job.
He handles the
criticism well, acting as a de factor public relations executive for the
force. Once he went on a campaign to highlight Police officers who are
distinguished in other fields. They include Chioma Ajunwa, Chuck Norris,
Samuel Peters, and more.
As
the growing voices of Nigeria’s youth against the brutality of SARS
operatives continue to rise, Yomi addressed the issue on Instagram. You
can find the post below.
“The #EndSARS is
no longer one that any responsible Citizen minded Police officer can
ignore, not necessarily giving credence to some of the gory yet vivid
narrations but Policing is to maintain the public peace in whatever
guise the unrest may come.
From Wuang, Dallas,
Frankfurt, Paris, London and even Conakry Citizens have at some point in
time, say recently protested against Police brutality.
It
comes with the job, it is a sad truth. It’s same as the Doctor that
leaves a spatula inside a patient or watches a patient die because the
family couldn’t make cash deposit for treatment, it’s like the school
Proprietors that wouldn’t allow the most brilliant child in the school
write exams because the parents can’t afford to pay the fees, the Lawyer
that breathes well knowing an innocent person have gone to jail only
because legal fees couldn’t be paid . All these hinge on the
individual’s world view, personal background and m0ral check list.
Definitely
some Officers are on the extreme in the line of duty, some are on the
job for personal gratification but we must commend the larger percentage
who are worthy Ambassadors of the Police Force.
Those
that daily defy the lack of basic needs like accommodation, uniform and
other kits, up to date technology and equipments, no life insurance or
worthy compensation for family and or loved ones in the case of death in
the line of duty and with the little they’re given, combat violent
crimes, conduct investigations, track down cunning criminals and do all
they can to maintain law and order. I say again, a greater number of
Officers of the Nigeria Police Force are Heroes without capes.
My
simple suggestion in lending my voice to the #EndSARS is this; let us
together raise the standard of our society, our collective existence as a
people, for if we’re yet to realize every singular facet of the society
reflects the whole, as no entity can forever stand aloof.
Justice
is a system, a societal measure and as the Yorubas will say “Gba fun
Muri ni gba fun Gbaja”. This of course shouldn’t stop the Police from
looking into the various allegations levelled against the body, and the
need to investigate and weed out the wolves amongst us.”
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