Lagos Police Initiate Investigation into Alleged Armed Extortion by Tactical Squad Officers.
By Our Reporter.
The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation following serious allegations that officers from the Tactical Squad at Onikan Police Station attempted to extort N3 million from a resident while armed.
The victim, who goes by the name Boluwatife on X (formerly Twitter), recounted the harrowing experience that occurred in the early hours of Thursday. He and a friend were en route from Lekki to Victoria Island to attend an event when they were stopped.
In a comprehensive post on social media, Boluwatife detailed that around five armed officers approached them near the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge roundabout.
He alleged that they brandished their rifles, forcibly removed him from the driver’s seat, and accused him of being involved in the deaths of police officers in Lekki.
According to Boluwatife, he and his companion were handcuffed and taken to the police station in a Hilux van, while officers drove away with his vehicle. Upon arrival at Onikan Police Station, he claimed that he was ordered to remove his shirt, shoes, and socks in anticipation of detention. The officers searched his car and documents but found no evidence to substantiate their accusations.
“After two hours, they demanded N3 million,” Boluwatife recounted. “I refused, and under escalating pressure, they eventually lowered their demand to N500,000. After they returned my phone, I was able to reach out for assistance. Thankfully, I was rescued.”
He also alleged that the officers threatened to label him a fraudster and cultist if he did not comply, with multiple threats made against his life.
“I’m not shaken, but what about those without support? Facing ten armed officers without cause is terrifying,” he expressed.
In response to these allegations, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that an immediate inquiry has been ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh. Hundeyin also stated that all officers involved have been summoned to the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has been assigned to lead this investigation.
Further updates will be provided to the public as the investigation unfolds.
