Lagos Police Officers Return ₦2.2m to Extortion Victims, Claim Remaining ₦1.1m Was Shared

Lagos Police Officers Return ₦2.2m to Extortion Victims, Claim Remaining ₦1.1m Was Shared

Police officers attached to the Area H Command, Ogudu, Lagos State, have returned ₦2.2 million to a couple after allegedly extorting a total of $2,000 (approximately ₦3.3 million) from them during a wrongful arrest on December 18, 2025.

According to an investigation by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), the officers returned the money only after the incident gained public attention on social media. They reportedly appealed to retain ₦1 million, offering to refund just ₦100,000 more, on the grounds that the money had already been shared among several officers.

A friend of the couple, identified as Abiodun Alabi (not his real name), narrated the incident to FIJ. He said that shortly before 6 a.m. on December 18, the couple were travelling out of Lagos when they were stopped by police officers.

According to him, the officers profiled the man, threatened him, seized his phones, and took both husband and wife to Ogudu Police Station. At the station, the woman—who was pregnant—was made to sit outside while the man was taken inside and compelled to write an incriminating statement without the presence of a lawyer.

Afterwards, the officers demanded $5,000 in USDT. Following prolonged arguments and under duress, the man agreed to pay $2,000. The police allegedly provided a digital wallet address, received the funds, and deleted evidence of the transaction. However, a transfer receipt was obtained because the payment was made from a third party’s wallet.

Alabi said he reported the incident to the Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU) the same day, and was directed to contact Olumide Jegede, the supervising officer at Area H Command.

On December 23, Alabi and the couple visited the command, where they identified the officers involved. According to Alabi, the supervising officer appeared dismissive at first and suggested that Alabi was being “aggressive” for insisting on accountability.

During the meeting, the team leader of the officers allegedly claimed he had “helped” the couple and attempted to justify the extortion. The officers also reportedly threatened to involve the cybercrime unit to investigate the man for fraud, despite no evidence being presented.

After the victims insisted on a full refund, they were told the money had already been distributed among multiple officers. The command reportedly agreed to refund ₦2.3 million, paying ₦2 million initially and promising to send the balance later.

Subsequently, ₦200,000 was transferred, while the remaining ₦100,000 was delayed, with the police citing the illness of the team leader.

When contacted on Saturday, Mr. Jegede declined to comment, stating that the matter could be followed up at his office on Monday.

The case raises serious concerns about police accountability, extortion, and the adequacy of internal disciplinary mechanisms within the Nigeria Police Force.

Source: Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ)