Justice Served: Nigerian Police Officers Detained for Extorting ₦500K from LASU Student at Gunpoint in Lagos
By SpringNewsNG Media Limited | April 18, 2025
The victim, who was traveling along the Abule Ado axis on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, was ambushed by the rogue officers—not in uniform—who accused him of cyber fraud based solely on the presence of foreign contacts in his smartphone photo gallery.
“They dragged me into a commercial Korope minibus and demanded ₦5 million, claiming I looked like a Yahoo boy,” Martins told SaharaReporters. “When I pleaded, they settled on ₦500,000 and gave me an Opay account to send the money.”
LASU Student Brutalized, Money Extorted Via Mobile Transfer
Martins was en route to visit his uncle when he encountered the officers who seized his phone, wristwatch, and intimidated him at gunpoint. Despite finding nothing incriminating, they insisted on a massive cash settlement, threatening further violence.
“They passed several police stations without stopping. I offered ₦20,000, but they laughed and said, ‘Do we look hungry?’” Martins recounted.
Take-It-Back Movement Intervenes, Petition Spurs Swift Police Action
The matter gained traction after pro-democracy organization, Take-It-Back Movement, led by Lagos Coordinator Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, filed a formal petition at the Area E Police Command, demanding immediate investigation and accountability.
“The Area Commander acted swiftly. The police checkpoint was raided, and two officers were arrested at the scene. The victim later identified them,” Taofeek said.
In a dramatic twist, ₦500,000 was fully refunded to the victim following confirmation of the extortion.
According to Taofeek, Comrade Kuku Isaiah Eromidayo, the NANS Southwest PRO, accompanied the victim to the police headquarters. The provost ordered an inspection of the checkpoint, which resulted in the arrest of the culprits and the seizure of four commercial buses used for illegal operations.
“The extorted money was returned after the suspects made written confessions,” Taofeek confirmed.
Police Brutality in Nigeria: A Recurring Issue
This case adds to the growing outcry against police harassment and extortion of young Nigerians, especially in areas like Abule Ado, which has gained notoriety for unchecked police abuse.
Citizens, activists, and student unions are urging systemic police reforms and accountability to protect the rights of innocent Nigerians.
