My Worst Experience In Lagos I will Never Forget In a hurry
Arriving in Lagos for the First Time
Lagos is one of those cities that leaves a permanent mark on anyone who visits. I’ve had many Lagos moments, but my very first experience around 2002–2003 is one I will never forget in a hurry.
My partner at the time had just arrived in Nigeria from Italy. As usual, he insisted I come to Lagos to receive him at the airport before we continued to Port Harcourt, where we lived. He landed before 10 p.m., and from the airport we headed straight to our hotel on Femi Pearse Street in Victoria Island, off Adeola Odeku.
A Late‑Night Search for Pepper Soup
Not long after settling in, he said he wanted fish pepper soup. The hotel staff directed us to the old Kuramo Beach — long before it became the modern Eko Atlantic.
The moment we arrived, I was already complaining about how rough the environment looked. We had barely sat down when suddenly people started running. And not small running — serious running.
Before we could even ask questions, we joined them.
Ha! Mogbe. What’s happening? What will I tell my family I was doing in Lagos when I was supposed to be in school?
We ran back and forth like headless chickens for almost an hour.
The Unexpected Police Encounter
When things finally calmed down, we decided to leave immediately. But as we stepped out of the gate, we met another surprise — a police van parked outside, waiting for anyone coming out.
A bright flashlight hit our faces.
“Enter the bus!”
Apparently, there had been ongoing fights at the beach involving rival cult groups, and the police were arresting everyone they could find.
At this point, I started laughing — not because it was funny, but because the whole situation felt unbelievable. My partner was terrified they would think I was mocking them. He quickly asked to speak to one of the officers and explained that he had just arrived from Italy, was hungry, and was directed to the beach for pepper soup.
They asked for his passport, which he luckily had with him along with his ticket. After checking it, they asked for “something.” Once he gave them money, they allowed us to go.
The Lesson Lagos Taught Me
That night taught me a lesson I’ve never forgotten. Since then, there are certain places in Lagos I simply avoid. I no want hear say dem shoot bird, and the mama dey police station dey find how to bail am.
Lagos will humble you — but it will also give you stories for life.
Share Your Lagos Experience
What’s your own Lagos experience you’ll never forget in a hurry? Share it in the comments — I’d love to read it.
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