As Nigerians crossed into the new year with prayers, gratitude and quiet reflections, one man’s thanksgiving post on Facebook struck a painful chord across social media. What began as a simple act of kindness almost ended his freedom and drained his savings, all because he tried to save a stranger’s life.
The Facebook user shared his ordeal on the Delta State Politicians Forum, thanking God for seeing him through a year that could have ended behind bars. His story has since reopened old wounds about policing, fear and the cost of being a good citizen in Nigeria.
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According to the account, the incident happened earlier in the year when a young man collapsed on the road. While passersby walked past, he chose to act. After calling a doctor for advice, he rushed the unconscious man to the hospital, hoping to save a life.
Tragically, the young man died shortly after arrival.
What followed, however, shocked him more than the loss itself.
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Because he did not know the victim, he requested that the police be informed, believing it was the responsible thing to do. Instead of commending his action, officers reportedly turned on him. He was taken to the GRA Police Station in Asaba to make a statement.
There, the situation spiralled.
He alleged that he was accused of murder and that his statement was taken under caution. According to him, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Christopher Odoh, openly threatened him for intervening.
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He quoted the officer as saying he would deal with him for acting like Jesus.
Those words stayed with him.
Even after the deceased’s family confirmed their son had an underlying medical condition, the intimidation allegedly continued. At that moment, the man said he fully understood why Nigerians now prefer to record dying victims with their phones rather than help.
It took the intervention of a very senior government official for him to escape the murder charge.
But the ordeal did not end there.
Despite his eventual release, he alleged that officers still emptied his bank account under the guise of bail. He said he went home with just two thousand naira.
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As the year ended, he chose gratitude over bitterness.
Many people are still in prison for cases lesser than mine, he wrote. My people, join me to thank God.
The post triggered a flood of emotional reactions from Nigerians who saw their own fears reflected in his experience.
Some openly admitted that incidents like this are why they mind their business in public emergencies. Others called for the officer involved to be named, petitioned and investigated. Several commenters blamed systemic corruption within the Nigerian Police Force, while some questioned why acts of kindness so often attract punishment instead of protection.
There were also voices urging action, saying silence and fear allow abuse to thrive. A few pointed out that stories like this contribute to why doctors insist on police reports before treating emergency cases.
Still, many focused on gratitude, faith and survival. They praised the man for his courage, thanked God for his escape and prayed that his good heart would not harden despite the experience.
Beyond the outrage and prayers, the story highlights a deeper national dilemma.
In Nigeria, being a good Samaritan can come with consequences. Between weak institutional protection and fear of harassment, citizens are increasingly torn between helping others and protecting themselves.
As this man steps into a new year with his freedom intact, his story stands as both a thanksgiving and a warning. It asks an uncomfortable question many Nigerians silently wrestle with.
In a system that often punishes compassion, who will dare to help next time?
