The Inspector-General of Police, Rilwan Disu, has warned that both police officers who demand or collect money for bail and individuals who offer such payments risk arrest and prosecution, signalling a crackdown on the unlawful practice.
The warning, delivered through the Head of the Nigeria Police Force Complaint Response Unit (CRU), Superintendent of Police Awu Fidelis Jonah, leaves little room for the excuse that money paid to secure a suspect’s release is merely a customary arrangement between officers and relatives.
Jonah conveyed the IGP’s position during a public awareness road walk organised by the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI) in collaboration with the CRU, under the theme, “Say No to Impunity, Say No to Crime, Police Is Your Friend.”
He stressed that bail is free and that neither suspects nor their relatives should be compelled to pay money to secure release from police custody.
The police also made clear that accountability would not stop with officers receiving the money. Individuals who offer or pay such fees could equally face the law, placing responsibility on both sides of the unlawful transaction.
Jonah said the Force was working to address complaints of misconduct and improve public confidence, adding that officers found culpable had faced disciplinary measures.
National Coordinator of ECAPI, Ambassador Samuel Eniola, said the campaign was designed to educate citizens on their rights, discourage police brutality and encourage the reporting of abuses.
Eniola warned that officers who flout the IGP’s directives would be held responsible, while disclosing plans to extend the sensitisation campaign to markets, motor parks, schools and communities across the country.
He said letters had been sent to local government areas as part of preparations for the wider campaign, adding that police personnel also needed further sensitisation on the mandate of the CRU.
Representing the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid described cooperation between the police and community organisations as essential to intelligence sharing, public safety and reducing friction between officers and residents.
He assured the organisers of the command’s support for initiatives aimed at strengthening police accountability and community relations.
The Officer in Charge of the Lagos Police Command’s CRU, Deputy Superintendent of Police Mogaji Idriss, said the unit had recorded successes in handling complaints against police personnel and communicating disciplinary outcomes to the public.
Idriss also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had convened an emergency meeting over developments in Ikorodu, where officers were cautioned against using unregistered vehicles, particularly minibuses, during operations.
He added that action had been taken over a recent incident in the area and that the officers involved would face disciplinary consequences.
The police warning places illegal bail payments under scrutiny not only as an abuse of official authority but also as transactions in which those who pay may face legal consequences.
