Crime/Social Justice
Police extortion in Edo divisional headquarters spark calls for investigation
Written By: Ehioze Gilbert
11 Feb 2026 06:19 AM
Okada, Edo – A civil society organization, the Bail is Free Campaign Organization has accused officers at the Okada Divisional Police Headquarters of extorting money under the guise of bail payments, leading to a partial refund amid ongoing demands for accountability and reform.
The claims, detailed in a public statement issued on February 9 by Leftist Dickson John, secretary general of the organization, highlight what the group describes as "systemic corruption" within Nigeria's law enforcement.
According to the statement, parents of a detained suspect paid ₦65,000 to an intermediary referred to as "shorty" who allegedly promised to secure bail for the individual's friends held in police custody.
However, an audio recording purportedly captures the intermediary denying that the funds were handed over to the police, contradicting earlier claims and payment evidence provided by the suspect's family.
The organization raises pointed questions about potential external influences behind the denial, asking: "Who contacted this man? Who instructed him to deny? Who is protecting who?"
The group further alleges a pattern of "institutional extortion," where funds are collected via intermediaries, institutions deny receipt, and victims are left without recourse.
"This is not justice. This is organized abuse of power," the statement reads, emphasizing that bail is free under Nigerian law and that any demands for payment constitute a crime.
In an update included in the statement, the police reportedly refunded ₦67,000, but denied receiving the ₦65,000 for bail while admitting to collecting ₦2,000 for "visiting suspects."
The organization views this as a "striking contradiction" and proof of wrongdoing, stating: "The refund itself is evidence."
A further breakdown details a ₦52,000 refund, comprising ₦50,000 and ₦2,000 from the suspect's mother, plus ₦15,000 belonging to the suspect, Destiny, all returned to the family.
The Bail is Free Campaign calls for an immediate independent investigation, including forensic review of transactions, voice authentication of the recording, identification of involved officers, witness protection, full refunds, and criminal accountability.
"The truth will stand. Accountability will come. Justice must prevail," the statement concludes, framing the restitution as a symbol of persistence against injustice.
These allegations come amid broader concerns over police misconduct in Nigeria.
The Edo state police command has not yet responded publicly to these specific claims.
The claims, detailed in a public statement issued on February 9 by Leftist Dickson John, secretary general of the organization, highlight what the group describes as "systemic corruption" within Nigeria's law enforcement.
According to the statement, parents of a detained suspect paid ₦65,000 to an intermediary referred to as "shorty" who allegedly promised to secure bail for the individual's friends held in police custody.
However, an audio recording purportedly captures the intermediary denying that the funds were handed over to the police, contradicting earlier claims and payment evidence provided by the suspect's family.
The organization raises pointed questions about potential external influences behind the denial, asking: "Who contacted this man? Who instructed him to deny? Who is protecting who?"
The group further alleges a pattern of "institutional extortion," where funds are collected via intermediaries, institutions deny receipt, and victims are left without recourse.
"This is not justice. This is organized abuse of power," the statement reads, emphasizing that bail is free under Nigerian law and that any demands for payment constitute a crime.
In an update included in the statement, the police reportedly refunded ₦67,000, but denied receiving the ₦65,000 for bail while admitting to collecting ₦2,000 for "visiting suspects."
The organization views this as a "striking contradiction" and proof of wrongdoing, stating: "The refund itself is evidence."
A further breakdown details a ₦52,000 refund, comprising ₦50,000 and ₦2,000 from the suspect's mother, plus ₦15,000 belonging to the suspect, Destiny, all returned to the family.
The Bail is Free Campaign calls for an immediate independent investigation, including forensic review of transactions, voice authentication of the recording, identification of involved officers, witness protection, full refunds, and criminal accountability.
"The truth will stand. Accountability will come. Justice must prevail," the statement concludes, framing the restitution as a symbol of persistence against injustice.
These allegations come amid broader concerns over police misconduct in Nigeria.
The Edo state police command has not yet responded publicly to these specific claims.
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