Lagos Police Warn Against Illegal Payments for Complaints and Bail, Urge Public to Report Extortion
The Lagos State Police Command has strongly reiterated that filing complaints or securing bail at any police station in the state is completely free of charge. The Command has therefore urged residents not to make any form of payment for these services, emphasizing that such demands are illegal and must be reported immediately.
This reaffirmation was made by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Lagos State, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Benjamin Hundeyin, during a press briefing on Wednesday in Lagos. The statement came in response to ongoing reports and public concerns regarding extortion by some police officers, despite continuous awareness campaigns stressing that “bail is free.”
CSP Hundeyin condemned these illegal practices, stating categorically that demanding money to file complaints or to grant bail is both corrupt and unacceptable within the Nigeria Police Force. He noted that such actions undermine the integrity of the police and erode public trust in law enforcement institutions.
“People should not succumb to extortion,” he stated. “Rather, they should make a formal complaint against any officer who demands money for any offence. Such reports should be directed to the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) of the Lagos State Police Command, which is set up to address these issues swiftly and effectively.”
To illustrate the effectiveness of the CRU, Hundeyin cited a recent case where a complainant reached out to the unit after being asked for money. Following the intervention of the CRU, the complainant was promptly released without making any payment. This, he said, demonstrates the Command’s commitment to ensuring transparency and upholding the rights of citizens.
“People should learn to take advantage of the solutions that the police have made available,” he added, urging residents to familiarize themselves with proper complaint channels and to make use of the CRU whenever necessary.
The PPRO emphasized that the Command remains steadfast in its dedication to internal discipline and accountability. He assured the public that officers found to be engaging in extortion or any form of misconduct would be dealt with in accordance with the law and internal disciplinary procedures.
This renewed call to action comes amidst fresh concerns from Lagos residents, who allege that some officers continue to demand bribes under the guise of administrative processes. The Lagos Police Command is, therefore, appealing to the public to resist such practices and to support the Command’s efforts to build a more transparent, ethical, and accountable policing system in the state.