IGP Warns: Officers Demanding Bail Money, Payers Face Prosecution
Lagos, Nigeria—October 24, 2026—The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has issued a strong warning that both police officers who demand or accept money for bail and members of the public who offer such payments risk arrest and prosecution.
The warning was delivered through the Head of the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU), Superintendent of Police Fidelis Jonah Awu, during a road walk organized by the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI) in collaboration with the CRU.
Bail is Free—Zero Tolerance for Extortion
Speaking at the event themed “Say No to Impunity, Say No to Crime, Police Is Your Friend,” Jonah stressed that bail remains free and that neither suspects nor their relatives should be asked to pay any money to secure release from police custody.
According to him, the IGP has made it clear that anyone involved in a bail-related payment—whether collecting or offering the money—could be held accountable.
“The police have been investigating public complaints and imposing disciplinary measures on officers found guilty of misconduct,” Jonah said. He noted that these efforts have begun to improve accountability within the force.
Campaign Against Impunity and Crime
The ECAPI-CRU National Coordinator, Ambassador Samuel Eniola, explained that the awareness campaign aims to educate Nigerians about their rights, discourage police brutality, and encourage citizens to report abuses.
He warned that officers who act contrary to the IGP’s directives will be held responsible. Eniola disclosed that the initiative plans to take the campaign beyond major gatherings to markets, motor parks, schools, and other public spaces across the country.
Letters have already been sent to local government areas as part of the preparations.
He also noted that sensitization is needed within the police force itself so that officers clearly understand the role and responsibilities of the Complaint Response Unit.
Police Command Support and Accountability Efforts
Representing the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, Deputy Commissioner of Police Anthony Okon Placid welcomed the partnership.
He described cooperation between the police and community organizations as vital for effective intelligence sharing and reducing tensions.
The Officer in Charge of the Lagos Police Command’s CRU, Deputy Superintendent of Police Mogaji Idriss, said the unit has recorded several successes in handling complaints against officers.
He maintained that the CRU informs the public about disciplinary actions taken against personnel who breach professional standards.
Idriss also addressed concerns over police operations in Ikorodu, revealing that the Commissioner of Police had convened an emergency meeting over developments in the area.
Officers were warned against using unregistered vehicles, particularly minibuses, during operations. Decisive action has already been taken over a recent incident in the area, with the officers involved facing disciplinary consequences.
The campaign forms part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen accountability, rebuild public confidence, and encourage Nigerians to report misconduct rather than remain silent.
With the IGP’s clear stance, the message is unambiguous: anyone who participates in an unlawful bail payment risks facing the full consequences of the law.
This report is based on the official statement issued by the Police Complaint Response Unit on October 24, 2026.
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