A tricyclist in Ogun State who went to the police to report a stolen vehicle says he ended up detained and forced to pay ₦40,000 before being released.
Frank Udoh, a tricyclist in Sango, Ogun State, says policemen at the Sango-Ota station detained him for two days after he reported a stolen tricycle on October 11. Udoh told FIJ that officers only released him after he paid ₦40,000 in cash for bail.
Udoh, who had been leasing the tricycle from MAX Drive since April 2023, said he parked it at home the night before it went missing. “They opened the padlock and carried the Maruwa away,” he said.
He followed MAX Drive’s instruction to report the theft to police but was detained instead. “They said I’m a suspect,” Udoh said.
Police initially demanded ₦100,000 before settling for ₦40,000. “I called my people, and they came to pay,” he added.
Ogun police spokesperson Omolola Odutola confirmed Udoh’s detention but denied knowledge of any payment. “I am sure this is not the correct position,” she said.