Former lawmaker and human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, has shared a set of hard-hitting tips for young activists and “Aluta comrades” on how to handle encounters with law enforcement, drawing from what he described as his “decades of personal experience.”
In a post on his Facebook account shared on Saturday, the former Kaduna Central Senator advised that anyone invited by security agencies on a Friday should tactically delay such appointments until Monday to avoid unnecessary detention over the weekend.
“When they invite you for Friday, delay the invitation till Monday. Bail de hard to get for Friday,” Sani wrote.
He further counseled activists to always appear with legal representation before making any statement.
“When you are going, go with a lawyer before writing any statement,” he stressed.
In a strikingly practical tone, Sani urged preparedness for overnight detention, warning that subtle signals often determine what happens next.
“When you are going, go with your toothbrush, soap, Vaseline, towel, and extra cloth in case you will pass the night. When the phone number of the officer who took your statement is off, you go pass the night inside cell be that,” he cautioned.
The outspoken activist also noted that sudden friendliness from security operatives could signal a more serious turn of events.
“When you pass the night and they come to pick you early morning, na search be that. If you see them too friendly with you, de laugh too much with you, na Court and prison you de go,” he added.
Sani described his advice as “free counsel” to a new generation of activists who may not be familiar with the realities of detention.
“This is from my decades of personal experience. My free advice for young Aluta comrades of today. Next time I’ll give you more hint on handcuffs and prison life,” he concluded.
The former senator, known for his activism during the military era and his fearless stance on civil liberties, has often used his platforms to mentor younger activists on the risks and realities of social struggle in Nigeria.
