The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has warned Nigerians against paying money to secure bail from police custody, stressing that both police officers who demand or accept such payments and individuals who offer the money could face arrest and prosecution.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
The warning was conveyed through the Head of the Police Complaint Response Unit, Superintendent of Police Fidelis Jonah, during a road walk organised by the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative in collaboration with the CRU.
The campaign, themed “Say No to Impunity, Say No to Crime, Police Is Your Friend,” was aimed at discouraging criminal activities, addressing police misconduct and strengthening relations between the police and members of the public.
Speaking at the event, Jonah said rebuilding public trust remained a major priority for the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in dealing with complaints of misconduct and the unlawful collection of money from arrested persons or their relatives.
He reiterated that bail is free and that no suspect or family member should be required to pay money before a person is released from police custody.
According to him, the IGP had made it clear that anyone involved in a bail-related payment could be held accountable, whether the person was collecting the money or offering it.
Jonah urged Nigerians not to encourage unlawful practices by voluntarily paying officers for bail, but instead to report demands for money through the appropriate police complaint channels.
He maintained that the Police Complaint Response Unit had been investigating complaints from members of the public and that disciplinary measures had been taken against officers found guilty of misconduct.
According to him, such interventions were part of efforts to improve accountability within the force and restore confidence in policing.
He also called for stronger collaboration between the police and organisations working to promote public safety, accountability and respect for citizens’ rights.
The ECAPI-CRU National Coordinator, Ambassador Samuel Eniola, said the awareness campaign was designed to educate Nigerians about their rights, discourage police brutality and encourage members of the public to report abuses by law enforcement personnel.
Eniola warned that police officers who acted contrary to the directives of the Inspector-General of Police would be held accountable for their actions.
He said the initiative would not be limited to major public gatherings, adding that plans were underway to extend the awareness campaign to communities across the country.
The police maintained that demanding money for bail remained unacceptable and urged Nigerians to resist and report such demands rather than participate in the practice.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
