The Lagos State Police Command has come under serious public scrutiny following reports that officers detained the father of a WAEC candidate for several days without trial and allegedly demanded a ₦25 million bribe for his release.
According to reports, the man was taken into custody under circumstances that have raised concerns over due process and abuse of power. Family members alleged that despite repeated inquiries, they were denied access to him and were not formally informed of any charges.
The situation reportedly escalated when police officers allegedly demanded a ₦25 million payment before any consideration of his release could be made, sparking outrage from human rights observers and members of the public who described the development as an abuse of authority.
The case has drawn attention due to the involvement of the suspect’s son, a WAEC candidate, whose academic examination process is said to have been severely affected by the prolonged detention of his father.
Civil society voices have raised concerns over what they describe as increasing cases of arbitrary detention and extortion by some security operatives, calling for urgent investigation into the conduct of the officers involved.
As at the time of filing this report, the Lagos State Police Command had not issued an official response to the allegations, while calls continue to mount for transparency, accountability, and the immediate review of the detention.
The incident adds to growing public debate over policing practices in Nigeria, particularly allegations of extortion, prolonged detention without trial, and violations of citizens’ fundamental rights.
