Nigerian Police Fight Corruption: Promises vs Reality

Nigerian Police Urge Citizens Not to Pay Bribes, But Discrepancies Persist LAGOS, NIGERIA—In a recent public service announcement, the Nigerian Police Force, through its spokesperson Mr. Benjamin, declared that citizens should not pay any fees for filing complaints or securing bail. This announcement comes amid widespread reports of police corruption and extortion. However, a Lagos-based woman, featured in a viral TikTok video, raises concerns about the inconsistent implementation of this policy. "Don't pay to file complaints or for bail—police informs Nigerians," the woman states in the video, expressing her frustration with the ongoing issue. She points out that while the official message is clear, many police stations still demand payments from citizens. The woman’s comments highlight the gap between official policy and actual practice within the police force. The video has sparked significant online discussion, with many Nigerians sharing similar experiences of extortion. The incident underscores the ongoing struggle against corruption within the Nigerian Police Force and the need for greater accountability and transparency. The police force has yet to respond to the concerns raised in the video.