Oga Police, Am I a Yahoo Boy?”

This year's Ileya party at PressDem Enterprises, was lit: food was flowing, drinks were unlimited, and the dance floor - omoh, see gyration. Everyone laughed, danced, and made memories. But for someone, the night didn’t end at the party.

DoLittle, our Product Dev, a core techie, community builder, crypto user, and good guy. He didn't even take alcohol, no trouble — just vibes and his signature vintage shirt and shorts.

Heading home after the party, half asleep in his Uber, he got flagged down by a team of police officers.

“Oya come down!” “We wan search your phone!” “What’s this app? Who be all these white men in your contact? You dey do yahoo abi?”

Without a chance to explain, they labeled him a Yahoo boy, bundled him into their van, and now he’s sitting in a police station trying to convince someone that working in tech is not a crime.

But here’s the real gist… We are all DoLittle. And DoLittle didn’t know his rights. But you can.

🛡️ Sniffy Says: Know Your Rights with the Nigerian Police

Based on Nigerian laws like the Nigerian Police Act, The Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Nigerian Constitution, here’s what every citizen, especially young professionals in tech and crypto should know:

1. You have the right to privacy: Your phone is not public property.

The police cannot search your phone WITHOUT a court order. Unless you are under arrest or they have probable cause backed by a WARRANT, you can politely say no.

2. You have the right to remain silent.

You do not have to explain your chats, apps, or contacts to an officer unless you are officially charged or questioned with a lawyer present.

Insist that you would like to exercise your right to silence and that you will only make a statement in the presence of a lawyer.

3. You have the right to know why you’re being arrested.

This one is a mandatory procedure: Before they detain you, they must tell you:

“You are under arrest for XYZ…” They cannot just throw you into a van based on speculation.

4. You have the right to contact someone.

If you are going to be arrested, ask for leave to call your lawyer, family, or employer.

5. You have the right to dignity and respect.

How many times have we seen police brutality? but it still doesn't change the fact that it is illegal to slap, harass, or insult you during a stop.

So What Should You Do Like a Proper Sniffy-educated citizen?

• Stay calm, be polite — but don’t be intimidated.

• Ask: “Am I under arrest? If not, can I go?”

• If they insist on taking your phone or arresting you, insist on calling your lawyer.

• If you feel unsafe, discreetly record the interaction or get someone nearby to witness it.

Sniffy’s Final Bark:

In this country, being young, tech-savvy, or working in crypto is NOT a crime. But in reality, you must arm yourself with knowledge — not just vibes.

So the next time you’re stopped, you’re not just another Dolittle — you’re a compliance-literate, rights-aware citizen who knows what to say and how to stand your ground.

Till the next gist, stay Sniffy 🐾