IGP Warns Nigerians: Both Police Officers Demanding Bail Money And Those Paying Will Face Prosecution

IGP Warns Nigerians: Both Police Officers Demanding Bail Money And Those Paying Will Face Prosecution

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a strong warning against the collection of money for bail, declaring that both officers who demand or accept such payments and individuals who offer the money could face arrest and prosecution.

Inspector-General of Police Rilwan Disu reiterated the position while urging Nigerians to cooperate with the police and help rebuild public confidence in the force.

The warning was delivered through the Head of the Nigeria Police Force Complaint Response Unit (CRU), Superintendent of Police Awu Fidelis Jonah, during a road walk organised by the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI) in collaboration with the CRU.

The campaign, themed “Say No to Impunity, Say No to Crime, Police Is Your Friend,” focused on discouraging criminal activities, addressing police misconduct and improving relations between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.

Speaking at the event, Jonah explained that restoring public trust remained a major priority for the police, particularly in addressing complaints about misconduct and the unlawful demand for money from arrested persons.

He stressed that bail is free and that neither suspects nor their relatives should be asked to pay money to secure release from police custody.

According to him, the IGP had made it clear that anyone involved in a bail-related payment could be held accountable, whether the person was collecting the money or offering it.

Jonah also maintained that the police had been investigating public complaints and imposing disciplinary measures on officers found guilty of misconduct. He said these efforts had begun to improve accountability and called for stronger partnerships with organisations working to promote public safety.

The ECAPI-CRU National Coordinator, Ambassador Samuel Eniola, said the awareness campaign was designed to educate Nigerians about their rights, discourage police brutality and encourage citizens to report abuses.

Eniola warned that officers who acted contrary to the IGP’s directives would be held responsible for their actions.

He disclosed that the initiative planned to extend its activities beyond major gatherings to communities across the country. Letters had already been sent to local government areas as part of preparations to take the campaign to markets, motor parks, schools and other public spaces.

He added that sensitisation was also necessary within the police force itself, noting that some officers still needed a clearer understanding of the Complaint Response Unit’s role and responsibilities.

Representing the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid welcomed the partnership, describing cooperation between the police and community organisations as important to effective intelligence sharing and reducing tensions.

Placid assured the organisers of the command’s support, emphasising the need for stronger collaboration to improve security and relations with residents.

Meanwhile, the Officer in Charge of the Lagos Police Command’s Complaint Response Unit, Deputy Superintendent of Police Mogaji Idriss, said the unit had recorded several successes in handling complaints against officers.

He maintained that the CRU responded to complaints and informed the public about disciplinary action taken against personnel found to have breached professional standards.

Idriss also addressed concerns surrounding police operations in Ikorodu, revealing that the Commissioner of Police had convened an emergency meeting over developments in the area.

During the meeting, officers were warned against using unregistered vehicles, particularly minibuses, in their operations. He expressed hope that the directive would bring improvements.

The CRU officer further stated that decisive action had been taken over a recent incident in Ikorodu and that the officers involved would face disciplinary consequences.

The campaign forms part of broader efforts to strengthen accountability within the Nigeria Police Force and encourage Nigerians to report misconduct rather than remain silent.

With the IGP’s warning extending to both the recipient and the payer of bail money, the message from the police leadership is clear: anyone who participates in an unlawful bail payment risks facing the consequences.

(Source: Guardian Newspapers)