Nigeria Police Force addresses bail extortion and public awareness

However, many sign this document without reading it, according to CSP Anietie Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer. In an interview, Iniedu acknowledged that extortion occurs, attributing it partly to a lack of public awareness regarding the law and their rights. He noted that the Inspector-General of Police regularly issues directives to officers on proper conduct.

Iniedu advised individuals facing demands for bail money not to argue but to immediately use their phones to contact the force directly. He provided two phone numbers for direct complaints: 08057000001 and 08057000002, and a third line for text messages or WhatsApp for those preferring not to speak directly. He also linked these efforts to a directive banning POS operators within 200 meters of police stations, aimed at curbing complicity in corrupt practices.

While acknowledging that full compliance with the POS ban is uncertain, Iniedu stated that complaints about police extortion had decreased in the preceding three months. He emphasized that the Inspector-General of Police engages with the public to rebuild trust, recognizing that many citizens are unaware of the law.