By Desire Obinna
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has challenged the Inspector-General of Police, Rilwan Disu, to order surprise inspections of police stations nationwide over allegations that officers extort money from suspects and their relatives under the guise of bail and investigations.
The association also demanded a dedicated complaints line in the IGP’s office to enable Nigerians to report alleged extortion, arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention and other forms of police misconduct.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA said declaring that police bail is free would not end the alleged practice without concrete action against officers accused of demanding unofficial payments.
The group raised concerns about the Tiger Base facility in Owerri, Imo State, alleging that it had become a major centre of extortion.
It further alleged that some officers in Imo State demand money before accepting complaints or investigating reported crimes, while similar allegations persist in Anambra, Lagos, Kaduna and Rivers states.
HURIWA said some detainees allegedly remain in custody because they cannot afford the sums demanded, while others pay under pressure or the threat of prolonged detention.
The association also criticised the reported threat to prosecute both officers who collect money for bail and citizens who pay, arguing that the police should distinguish between willing participants in corruption and citizens allegedly forced to pay to secure their freedom.
It called for stronger disciplinary measures through the Police Service Commission and the police force’s internal mechanisms to investigate and sanction officers found culpable.
On complaints management, HURIWA alleged that existing police complaint channels and published telephone lines often go unanswered, leaving citizens struggling to obtain redress.
It therefore urged the IGP to establish a direct complaints line supported by responsive personnel, transparent investigations, timely feedback and effective sanctions.
The association also called for special inspection teams led by deputy inspectors-general of police to conduct unannounced visits to police stations across the country.
It said the teams should inspect detention facilities, review arrest and bail records, speak privately with detainees and investigate allegations of demands for money before suspects are released or complaints investigated.
HURIWA urged the IGP to participate personally in some of the inspections to demonstrate the police leadership’s commitment to ending alleged extortion.
The association warned that public confidence in the police would remain weak for as long as citizens perceived police stations as places where unofficial payments determined access to justice.
It urged the police leadership to ensure that no Nigerian is forced to pay unofficial charges to report a crime, obtain police assistance or secure release on bail.
