The Lagos State Police Command has warned residents against paying any fees when filing complaints or obtaining bail at police stations, stressing that such payments are illegal and should be reported immediately.
CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Lagos, made the statement on Wednesday in response to ongoing reports of police officers demanding bribes despite public campaigns affirming that bail is free.
Addressing journalists, Hundeyin urged the public to resist and report any attempts at extortion, advising that complaints can be submitted through the command’s Complaint Response Unit (CRU).
“People should not give in to extortion; instead, they should formally report officers who request money for any offence to the Lagos State Police Command through the CRU,” he emphasized.
He highlighted a recent case where a complainant contacted the CRU after being asked for money and was subsequently released without payment following the unit’s intervention.
“People should take advantage of the solutions the police have put in place,” Hundeyin added.
This reminder comes amid renewed concerns from Lagos residents about officers demanding money for complaint filings or bail, contradicting the Nigeria Police Force’s official position that bail is free.
CSP Hundeyin reaffirmed that such corrupt practices are unacceptable and urged the public to reject and promptly report any such demands, assuring that the command remains dedicated to accountability and enforcing internal discipline.
