The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has restated that bail remains free of charge and warned officers against extorting money from suspects or their families.
The command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, made the clarification on Friday in Abuja amid growing public complaints that some police officers were demanding payments before granting bail.
Adeh described the practice as fraudulent and unacceptable, stressing that any officer found culpable would face disciplinary action. She said reporting such misconduct would not only bring justice to victims but also deter other officers from engaging in similar acts.
According to her, ignorance and fear often embolden erring officers, as many victims fail to insist on their rights or report abuses.
She cited a recent case in which an officer demanded money to release a suspect on bail. After the victim provided evidence showing the money was transferred directly into the officer’s bank account, the command commenced action against the officer involved.
Adeh urged residents of the FCT to promptly report any demand for bail money, insisting that evidence would strengthen investigations and speed up sanctions.
She encouraged members of the public to use the FCT Police Complaint Response Unit (PCRU) line 08107314192 to report misconduct, adding that citizens should always insist on their rights and refuse to pay for bail under any circumstances.
