A Lagos-based artisan, Sunday Moses Olugbemi, has accused officers of the Nigeria Police Force of unlawfully detaining him for four days and extorting ₦45,000 from him over a phone theft allegation that was later proven to be false.
According to Olugbemi, the incident began after he completed a job at the residence of a man popularly known as “Pastor.” He claimed that although he finished the work, he was not paid before leaving the premises.
Olugbemi said he returned home at about 8 p.m. on Friday when he received a message asking him to come back because a mobile phone had gone missing.
He explained that he had earlier informed his client that he intended to travel for another job, but instead of resolving the issue amicably, police officers allegedly arrived at his residence, arrested him, and took him into custody.
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According to him, he spent four days in detention at the Igando Police Station before the missing phone was eventually found, confirming that he had no connection to the alleged theft.
Despite being cleared of any wrongdoing, Olugbemi alleged that he was forced to pay ₦45,000 before he was released from custody.
The incident attracted the attention of the Take It Back Movement, whose Lagos State Coordinator, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, condemned the alleged unlawful detention and extortion.
Taofeek stated that the missing phone was recovered while Olugbemi was still in police custody, proving his innocence. He further alleged that the Divisional Crime Officer demanded and collected ₦45,000 from the victim before authorising his release.
Describing the development as unacceptable, Taofeek said the organisation would seek legal redress against those involved. He maintained that the victim deserved compensation for the alleged violation of his rights and called for disciplinary action against any police officer found culpable.
He also urged the Nigeria Police Force to uphold its responsibility of protecting citizens rather than exploiting them.
As of the time of this report, the police authorities had not issued an official response to the allegations.
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