Olanipekun Oladayo Irenimofe, who identified herself as a student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State, has narrated how she was allegedly arrested and put behind bars by the police for visiting a pharmacy to buy a pregnancy test kit and contraceptive.
“I was arrested by them (police) for buying a pregnancy test kit and contraceptive,” Punch quoted the 24-year-old Ibadan resident saying.
“After buying the above-mentioned items, I wanted to see a customer and a friend of mine; so, I had to pass by the station. That was when a policeman called me and asked for my profession and I answered that I am a student.
“He began to check the polythene bag I was carrying and then found the items. He then asked me why I was with the items and I told him they were for me. They then asked me to go to the behind the counter and later I was put behind bars.
“They were just shouting why am I having sex; can’t I remain a virgin for my husband?
“I didn’t say anything to them because I don’t understand! At 24, is it illegal? Am I an underage person? If not for the Nigerian education system, should I still be in school?
“I was not asked to write a statement. I was just put behind bars. I was traumatised. I was worried because they were threatening me. I became worried when I was asked to go behind bars.
“The pharmacist was also brought in for questioning but was later released before I was.
The student said she was freed after her sister raised alarm online. The incident happened on Friday.
“I don’t even know how to put it because it was the first time I would experience something like that. They behaved as if they did me a favour by releasing me. They didn’t apologise to me.
“I’m not claiming any damages. My sister raised the alarm because she was scared; we are not trying to gain anything from this.
“I’m not supposed to be harassed. I did nothing wrong, so I should not be treated like a criminal.
“I have a boyfriend. Everyone above 18 has a right to decide what he or she wants to do; it’s an individual decision.”