The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has reminded residents that bail is free under Nigerian law and warned that any officer who demands payment is committing a crime, Peak Newspaper reports.
Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh made the statement on Friday in Abuja while responding to complaints that some officers still collect money before releasing suspects. She called the practice fraudulent and said it survives because many citizens do not insist on their rights.
Adeh cited a recent case where a victim transferred money to an officer’s bank account to secure bail. The transaction was reported with evidence and disciplinary steps are already in motion, she said.
The command urged the public to report similar incidents through the FCT Police Complaint Response Unit and to provide proof such as receipts, call records, or bank transfers. Adeh stressed that refusing to pay illegal charges protects not only the victim but the entire system.
“Bail remains free. No resident should part with a kobo to secure it,” she said, adding that credible reports would help remove corrupt officers from the force.
