The Lagos State Police Command has refunded ₦1 million that was unlawfully extorted from three National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members by four police officers in the Surulere area of Lagos. The extortion came to light after a social media user, Oluyemi Fasipe, exposed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), raising public outrage and demanding action from the authorities.
The incident, which involved the corps members being forced to part with large sums of money, has once again drawn attention to the persistent issue of police misconduct in Nigeria. Many Nigerians have expressed concern about the behavior of law enforcement officers, especially in cases where they abuse their power.
The Extortion Incident
According to reports, the four police officers stopped the corps members for a routine check and demanded to see their driver’s license. When the corps members could not produce a physical copy of the license, the officers allegedly pressured them to pay ₦1 million to avoid further trouble. In addition to the cash extortion, one of the corps members was also forced to transfer Bitcoin worth $842 to the officers.
The illegal activity was initially brought to public attention by Oluyemi Fasipe, who posted about the incident on his X account. His post quickly gained traction, prompting widespread calls for justice.
Police Response and Confirmation
Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the incident. He stated that the officers involved had been identified and were currently undergoing interrogation as part of an internal investigation. Hundeyin emphasized that the police are committed to ensuring justice is served, and that the officers would face the consequences of their actions if found guilty.
“The rogue men of the Area C command of the Lagos Police have refunded the money,” Hundeyin confirmed. “We have identified the officers, and they are now undergoing interrogation. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, they could face dismissal from the force.”
Reactions from the Public
The swift return of the extorted money was met with relief by many, but also with calls for more decisive action. Fasipe, who had helped publicize the case, expressed gratitude to the Lagos State NYSC and the police for their efforts in ensuring the money was returned.
In a tweet posted on Friday, October 4, Fasipe wrote, “The rogue men of the Area C command who extorted over ₦1 million from the corps members have refunded the money. I am patiently waiting for the outcome of their trial.”
He added, “I like to appreciate Benjamin Hundeyin and the Lagos State NYSC office for their efforts too.”
The case has sparked further conversations online, with many people sharing their personal experiences of police harassment and extortion. One commenter on X wrote, “This is a regular occurrence in Lagos. I’m glad these corps members got their money back, but what about the countless others who aren’t so lucky?”
Call for Justice
While the refund of the money was a positive development, there is still widespread demand for justice. Many are hoping that the officers will not only be dismissed from the police force but also face criminal charges for their actions.
Hundeyin, in his statement, acknowledged the concerns of the public and reiterated that the officers would face the consequences if found guilty. “We are committed to ensuring that this case is thoroughly investigated. If the officers are found guilty, they will face appropriate disciplinary action, which may include dismissal from the police force.”
The Bigger Problem: Police Misconduct in Nigeria
This case of extortion is just one of many instances that highlight the problem of police misconduct in Nigeria. Reports of harassment, extortion, and even violence by police officers are unfortunately common. Despite various reforms and efforts to clean up the image of the Nigerian police, incidents like these continue to damage public trust in law enforcement.
In 2020, Nigeria witnessed the #EndSARS protests, a nationwide movement against police brutality. The protests specifically targeted the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a controversial police unit known for its human rights abuses. Although the SARS unit was disbanded, the issues of police misconduct, including extortion, remain prevalent.
This incident involving the corps members shows that the problem persists, even after the disbandment of SARS. Many believe that a deeper and more comprehensive reform of the police is necessary to address these systemic issues.
NYSC Corps Members as Targets
NYSC corps members, who are young graduates serving the country for a one-year mandatory service, are often seen as vulnerable targets for extortion by corrupt officers. They are usually stationed far from home and are less familiar with the areas in which they serve, making them easy prey for unscrupulous officers.
Several former corps members have come forward with similar stories of harassment by police officers, ranging from being asked for bribes to facing threats of arrest or violence. Some of these young graduates, fearful of potential harm, have no choice but to comply with the illegal demands of the officers.
