Lagos Police Detain Officers Over Alleged Extortion Of Writer

Three Police Officers Held for Alleged Extortion of Writer in Lagos

In a recent development, the Lagos State Police Command has taken decisive action by detaining three of its officers accused of extorting ₦150,000 from Ramadan Adenola, a local writer. The Command’s spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, has ordered the immediate transfer of these officers to the Command headquarters for further investigation and disciplinary action. This move underscores the commitment of the Lagos Police Command to maintain integrity and accountability within its ranks.

Adenola’s Encounter with the Police

Ramadan Adenola recounted his harrowing experience with the police during a routine stop-and-search operation under the Otedola bridge while traveling to Berger. According to Adenola, the situation quickly escalated from a routine check into a prolonged and frustrating ordeal. The officers flagged down the vehicle he was traveling in and subjected him to a series of demands that ultimately led to him transferring ₦150,000 through a Point of Sale (POS) merchant at the Isheri Police Station. What was supposed to be a simple 20-minute journey turned into a two-hour session of extortion, leaving Adenola feeling disillusioned and disheartened.

Adenola described the ordeal as a "free ride to the station for the officers" and a "stipend for a few weeks," along with a "gate fee" to leave the premises. Reflecting on the incident, he expressed his disappointment, stating, "Was the police my friend in all this? No. They were my exporters." This candid account on his 𝕏 handle highlights the growing concerns about police misconduct and the urgent need for reform within the force.

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Police Spokesman’s Response

In response to Adenola’s allegations, Benjamin Hundeyin issued a statement assuring the public that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and the responsible officers held accountable. He confirmed that the three officers involved have been identified and are currently under investigation. Hundeyin emphasized that the Commissioner of Police has taken swift action, ordering the recovery of the extorted funds and instructing the officers to face disciplinary proceedings at the Provost Unit.

He stated, "The policemen were three in number and we have identified them. The Commissioner of Police gave a directive that the matter be investigated immediately it came to his attention. The money has been recovered from them, and we have reached out to the victim to come and collect it. Additionally, the three suspects have been transferred to the Command headquarters to face disciplinary procedures." This response reflects the police's commitment to transparency and justice, aiming to restore public trust in the institution.

Commitment to Accountability

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in maintaining public trust and upholding the law. The Lagos State Police Command's swift action demonstrates their dedication to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability within their ranks. By addressing these issues head-on, the command hopes to foster a culture of integrity and professionalism, ultimately leading to a safer and more secure environment for all citizens.