The Lagos State Police Command has provided a surprising account of a Nigerian’s unusual request to be declared wanted, aiming to aid his asylum application abroad.
In December 2023, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported that over 260,000 Nigerians sought assistance to leave the country, a surge linked to Nigeria’s current living cost crisis.
In a social media post, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, shared his astonishment when a Nigerian asked the police to declare him wanted, facilitating his asylum application.
“‘Please, declare me wanted!’ I was stupefied. I blinked and looked at him again. ‘What did you say,’ I asked.
“Please, I want you to declare me wanted,’ he repeated.
“Why do you want to be declared wanted,’ I inquired, amused.
“Actually, I am applying for asylum at xyz Embassy. During the interview, I told them that I am being persecuted to the point of being declared wanted by the Police.
“They now asked for evidence of the ‘wanted’ declaration. I can easily do the artwork but I know they will come and verify. That is why I want it from the source,” Hundeyin wrote.