Dr. Akom's story is a very unfortunate incident. However, more than anything else, I am so glad that he was not terribly hurt, at least physically. I know it could be worse. I think an issue of this nature should be taken up by the university and city authorities.

Having said that, though, I would like to sound a personal note of caution - it's only my widow's mite, which may be taken or left. As someone who has spent a few years working for a large State Department of Corrections in this country, may I say if you are ever approached by a uniformed officer, or a plain-clothed officer, an undercover agent or anyone who is first able to identify him or herself as a government agent or law enforcement authority, please, do not disobey orders or resist arrests. If all that they asked for is your ID., please, do show it. The badge or uniform of an officer is a symbol of authority, and the gun is a symbol of power. If the former fails to work, every armed officer is given the blank order to use the latter. There have been too many cases to prove that point, including cases of dead Nigerians in America. I have seen, read, or heard some of these stories and I shook my head, saying to myself, "this person ought not to have died like a fool."

In the unfortunate case of an arrest, an individual may legitimately request for the presence of an attorney. The arresting officer, all things being equal, is expected to cooperate. However, this is a great idea ONLY if the officer cooperates; if he or she does not cooperate and there is no witness around, please, save your life and swallow your pride. A living person whose ego is hurt may still have the breath to fight to restore it, but no one fights a course from six feet under.

I am not minimizing Dr. Akom's experience, I am just saying, let's be guided by wisdom.

Peace!
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