POLICE WARN OFFICERS, PUBLIC AGAINST BAIL PAYMENTS

The Nigeria Police Force has warned that officers who demand money for bail will face disciplinary action, reiterating that police bail is free.

SP Awu Fidelis, Head of the Complaints Response Unit at Force Headquarters, Abuja, issued the warning during a sensitisation rally in Lagos on Friday.

The rally was organised by the unit in partnership with the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative.

Fidelis said Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu had repeatedly directed that officers must not demand payment before releasing arrested persons on bail.

He urged residents to report any officer who requests money for the process.

The CRU head also warned that people who give money for bail could face arrest and prosecution alongside those receiving it. This was presented as his warning during the rally.

Fidelis described the partnership with the crime-awareness organisation as part of efforts to rebuild public confidence in policing.

He said stronger accountability and closer engagement with communities were important to improving relations between officers and the public.

The sensitisation campaign focused on helping residents recognise improper demands and report misconduct through the police complaints system.