Nigerian music sensation Rema has opened up about a moment of fear and caution from his early creative days, revealing how concerns about SARS influenced a decision he made while shooting one of his freestyle videos.
The award-winning artist explained that he intentionally asked his Army friend—who featured in the clip—to sit in the back seat of his car. His decision, he said, was driven by fear of being profiled because of his dreadlocks.
According to Rema, the move was purely for safety, reflecting the reality many Nigerian youths faced during the height of SARS harassment.
I had to put my Army friend in the back seat
Sharing the story online, Rema stated:
“The fear of SARS made me put my Army friend at the back seat of my car in my freestyle video because I’m on dread.”
His revelation sheds light on the subtle yet serious precautions young creatives took to avoid unwanted confrontation from security operatives.
For Rema, it was not just about filming content but navigating an environment where appearance—especially dreadlocks—could invite harassment.
Fans react to Rema’s revelation
Rema’s statement quickly drew widespread reactions from Nigerians, many of whom connected deeply with his experience.
Social media users shared their own stories of fear, profiling, and trauma linked to SARS, emphasizing how deeply the unit’s actions affected youths nationwide.
Several fans praised Rema for opening up, noting that even celebrities were not spared from the anxieties many ordinary Nigerians lived with daily.
@kvngobi: “The amount of PTSD the youths go through in this country.”
@Seyibuzz: “He’s basically saying he had to play it safe because of SARS fear. Even with an Army friend beside him, he still had to be cautious.”
@ToluwalaseHoluwabassey: “Years ago, SARS arrested my friend because he had too many photos of Cristiano Ronaldo.”
@iam_boym: “The PTSD is real. What my eyes saw in PH still haunts me.”
@iam_joshoodz: “So even stars dey feel am.”
The post has sparked renewed conversations about the lingering psychological effects of SARS encounters and the ongoing demand for accountability and reform.
Watch the video below…
“The fear of SARS made me to put my Army friend at the back seat of my car in my freestyle video because I'm on dread"
– Rema 😂 pic.twitter.com/AazwK5gnhb
— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) December 11, 2025