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The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning that police officers who demand money for bail will face disciplinary action, while members of the public who pay for bail risk immediate arrest and prosecution.
SP Awu Fidelis, Head of the Complaints Response Unit (CRU) at Force Headquarters, Abuja, handed down the warning on Friday during a sensitisation rally held in Lagos.
The campaign was jointly organized by the CRU and the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI) to rebuild public trust, improve police-citizen relations, and reinforce accountability across law enforcement formations.
Fidelis reiterated that the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, has consistently maintained that bail is strictly free.
“No money should be demanded or paid for the release of arrested persons,” Fidelis stated, urging residents to report any officer requesting bribes. He emphasized that under the law, both the officer receiving the money and the citizen paying it are liable to arrest and prosecution.
Highlighting the growing impact of the unit, Fidelis noted that an increasing number of citizens are reporting police misconduct through the CRU’s designated channels, reflecting rising public confidence in the complaint-handling process.
Members of the public can report police misconduct directly to the CRU Force Headquarters via:
Calls: 08057000001 / 08057000002
WhatsApp: 08057000003
Social Media: Official CRU handles
Also speaking at the event, the Officer-in-Charge of the CRU, Lagos State Command, DSP Idris Mogaji, assured residents that complaints are thoroughly investigated and disciplinary actions are taken against culpable officers. He added that complainants are routinely updated on the progress and outcome of their reports.
Mogaji disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr. Fatai Tijani, recently held an emergency meeting with personnel to address crucial operational concerns, including officers using unregistered vehicles and buses. Action has already been taken following a recent incident involving non-compliant officers.
Lagos residents can reach the state CRU through 09111111151 or 09111111150, official command social media platforms, or written petitions addressed directly to the Commissioner of Police.
Community-Wide Sensitisation
Founder of ECAPI, Amb. Samuel Eniola, announced plans to expand the accountability and crime prevention campaign to markets, motor parks, police formations, and local communities across Lagos State.
Eniola highlighted youths as a primary target for the outreach, noting that community-based engagements are essential for educating young people who may not regularly access traditional media such as television, radio, or newspapers.
“Our mandate extends beyond advocacy against police brutality—it includes crime prevention, encouraging responsible behavior, and fostering cooperation with law enforcement to build a safer society,” Eniola said.
Representing CP Fatai Tijani, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Administration, Mr. Anthony Placid, praised the partnership between the police and ECAPI. He described the collaboration as timely and vital for strengthening community security and public trust.
The sensitisation exercise featured roadshows, market outreach, distribution of educational flyers, and live demonstrations of how to navigate the CRU complaint platforms.
