The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tunji Disu to order unannounced inspections of police stations nationwide over allegations that officers extort detainees and their relatives to secure bail.
The association also called for a dedicated complaints line in the IGP’s office to enable Nigerians to report extortion, arbitrary arrests, unlawful detention and other forms of police misconduct.
In a statement on Sunday, signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said the police leadership must move beyond public assurances that bail is free and take concrete action against alleged extortion.
It urged Disu to investigate the scale of the alleged practice and ensure that officers found culpable are investigated and sanctioned.
“HURIWA demands immediate, unannounced inspections of police stations nationwide to expose officers who allegedly extort detainees and their relatives under the guise of bail, investigations and other police services,” the statement reads.
HURIWA Raises Concerns Over Tiger Base
HURIWA expressed particular concern about the Tiger Base facility in Owerri, Imo State, which it alleged had become a major centre of extortion.
The association said reports by civil society organisations, including Amnesty International, had documented concerns about police conduct and alleged human rights violations in the state.
It further alleged that some police officers in Imo State demand money before accepting complaints or investigating reported crimes, forcing victims to pay before accessing police services.
According to HURIWA, similar allegations have emerged in Anambra and other states, including Lagos, Kaduna and Rivers.
“HURIWA condemns any practice that turns police stations into centres where citizens allegedly pay unofficial charges to report crimes, secure their freedom or obtain justice,” the association said.
HURIWA Calls for Accountability
The association said many Nigerians who pay money to secure bail do so under duress, intimidation or threats of prolonged detention.
It urged the police to hold officers accused of extortion accountable rather than intimidate citizens who allegedly make payments under coercion to avoid unlawful or prolonged detention.
HURIWA also called for stronger disciplinary mechanisms involving the Police Service Commission and the police force’s internal disciplinary structures to identify, investigate and sanction officers found culpable of extortion and other abuses.
Complaints Line Must Be Responsive, HURIWA Says
The association alleged that existing police complaint channels and published telephone numbers often go unanswered.
It also expressed concern that citizens struggle to reach police spokespersons and complaint-response officials when seeking redress.
HURIWA said the proposed complaints line would only be effective if supported by responsive officers, transparent investigations, prompt feedback and appropriate sanctions against personnel found to have violated the law.
The association maintained that unannounced inspections, accessible reporting channels and effective disciplinary action were necessary to address allegations of police extortion and improve accountability.
