A Nigerian lady living in the United Kingdom (UK) has narrated how speaking Nigerian English led to her arrest and detention.
The incident started when she went to a pharmacy to buy some medications for her sick husband. After buying the drugs, she called her husband to inform him that she had gotten the fever tablets and ibuprofen.
Unfortunately, her loud conversation about the “drugs” caught the attention of those around her, who then called the police. When the police arrived, they questioned her about the drugs. Confused, she showed them the two tablets she had purchased.
Despite her explanation, the police were not convinced and decided to take her to the station for further questioning. They even went to her home to conduct a search. She was eventually released the next morning.
The lady urged Nigerians to be mindful of how they speak English to avoid finding themselves in similar situations.
She recounted, “I was arrested yesterday and detained. I’m on my way home now. Yesterday, I went to the pharmacy to get some medication for my husband. When I finished, I called him to say I got the medication. I got two medications for you. So, when I get home and you use it, you are going to feel strong.
Not knowing people nearby were listening. But I wasn’t concerned because I hadn’t done anything wrong. Before I knew it, the police arrived. They stopped me and asked, ‘Where are the drugs?’ I was like, ‘What drugs?’ I went to get these fever tablets and ibuprofen for my husband yesterday because he wasn’t feeling well.
So, I showed them the tablets and said, ‘I meant these.’ They asked, ‘Medication?’ and I said, ‘Oh, yes.’ They didn’t believe me anyway. In the end, they took me to the police station, detained me, and questioned me. I called my husband to tell him what happened. I was talking loudly on the phone about the medication because there was nowhere else to get them on a Sunday.
They didn’t release me until they searched my house late last night, which is why they released me now, and that’s how I’m heading home. This Nigerian English is causing me trouble. Referring to medications as drugs was the issue.
This isn’t the first time I’ve spoken English incorrectly, which is common in Nigeria. So, why should I be worried? But this time, it got me into a big mess. Now, I’ve learned that the house is in disarray. Let’s be cautious with our Nigerian English before it lands us in trouble.”
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Source: www.mynigeria.com
