Conflicting accounts between police, Task Force and court officials deepen concerns over alleged bribe demands and arbitrary arrests in Lagos.
Fresh details have emerged about the circumstances surrounding the one-month detention of Akeem, a Lagos mechanic, following a raid conducted by officers attached to a police division and the Lagos State Task Force. The incident has raised renewed concerns about alleged extortion, arbitrary arrests and lack of due process during night operations.
When contacted, Eilenbaluagbon, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), said arrested persons were immediately transferred to the Task Force. Asked if simply being outside at night qualified one for arrest, he responded: “Not just being outside, it’s when a person is heavily suspected and when he’s found in a bad spot.” He ended the call before further questions were asked.
Similarly, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan, spokesperson of the Lagos Task Force, denied that any of the agency’s officers collected N25,000 from Akeem’s wife, Yetunde, insisting the Task Force does not release suspects brought in by police divisions.
At the court premises, a warder allegedly demanded N50,000 to secure Akeem’s release. “Can’t cut it. N50,000 is the last price,” he reportedly said during a conversation monitored by FIJ.
Efforts to obtain clarity from court officials yielded little. The prosecuting counsel refused to speak, while the registrar stated that Akeem and others were charged with “Breach of Public Peace” and had no legal representation. He added that accessing the charge sheet required applying for a Certified True Copy, which would take 48 hours.
Yetunde later confirmed that Akeem was transferred to the Kirikiri Maximum Security Custodial Centre. As officials prepared to move him, she lamented the alleged extortion and treatment they faced.
“May God judge you… They said the money was small, and that was why they added his name. May God judge them,” she said tearfully.