Nigerian Family Alleges N151 Million Police Extortion in Shocking Illegal Detention Scandal

In a scandal that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s justice and human rights communities, the family of Segun Okubajo, a Nigerian resident based abroad, has accused senior police officers of abducting and extorting them of a staggering N151.5 million. The family’s harrowing tale, outlined in a petition submitted to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reveals a dark side of law enforcement—one that continues to haunt victims even after their release.

According to the petition, filed by Prof. Yemi Oke, SAN, on behalf of Segun\'s father, Mr. Okubajo Kehinde, the saga began on October 9, 2024, when four police officers allegedly stormed Segun’s Lagos apartment without a warrant or prior complaint. What followed was described as a brutal and unlawful arrest. The heavily armed officers are accused of disabling CCTV cameras, seizing his mobile phones, and dragging him away in leg chains and handcuffs.

The most disturbing part of this ordeal was not just the arrest itself, but what allegedly happened next. Segun was reportedly taken to Abuja and held incommunicado, without access to legal counsel or communication with his family. The officers, identified in the petition as part of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), allegedly demanded N1 billion from the family to release Segun. After days of negotiations and what the petition describes as psychological torment, the officers eventually \"settled\" for N151.5 million.

To meet this demand, the family said they were forced into a frantic scramble, raising the funds through a web of loans from business associates, cooperative societies, and personal contacts. The extortion did not just deplete their finances but left an emotional scar that, according to them, remains wide open. Segun, traumatized and fearing for his life, reportedly fled back abroad immediately after his release and has since faced continued threats to both his safety and that of his family.

The petition is particularly damning in its allegations against two individuals—Oladipo Ibrahim and Shedrach Luka—described as informants who collude with corrupt officers to target Nigerians visiting from overseas. “They specialise in framing up perceived foreign-based Nigerians…with the sole aim of criminally extorting and depriving them of huge sums,” the petition reads. This strategy of targeting diaspora Nigerians—seen as financially prosperous—raises grave concerns about systemic abuse within the ranks of the police.

Despite earlier petitions dating back to November 2024, including direct appeals to the IGP, the family claims that little action has been taken. Instead, they allege that the threats have persisted, intensifying after their latest petition. Segun and his relatives have reportedly received multiple messages warning them against seeking legal redress or making the matter public. These threats, they say, appear designed to intimidate them into silence.

The legal team representing the Okubajo family has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the police authorities. If the matter is not addressed, they have vowed to escalate it to higher levels, including litigation against the Presidency, the Ministry of Police Affairs, and the Police Service Commission. The petition, according to Prof. Oke, is supported by video footage, photographs, and other compelling evidence. The family insists that they are not interested in sensationalism or public protest—at least not yet—but simply seek justice and accountability.

When contacted by Daily Trust for a response, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, acknowledged the report but said he would have to confirm whether the petition had reached the Deputy Inspector-General of Police. As of the time of publication, no official statement had been released from the police high command.

The shocking nature of this case has ignited fresh debates around police reform in Nigeria. Critics argue that despite multiple reports, judicial panels, and promises of systemic change, rogue officers still wield unchecked power, especially when dealing with vulnerable or isolated individuals. The alleged abuse in Segun’s case reflects a wider crisis of impunity—one where officers can reportedly act with the assurance that internal mechanisms will either shield them or stall justice indefinitely.

Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Threads have seen increasing calls for public accountability. Hashtags such as #JusticeForSegun and #EndPoliceExtortion are gaining traction, echoing the anger many Nigerians feel over what they perceive as a persistent culture of institutional abuse. Influencers, diaspora communities, and civil society organisations are beginning to mobilize, potentially turning this case into another flashpoint for national advocacy.

The Okubajo family’s ordeal is a sobering reminder that beyond the headlines and hashtags, real families suffer the consequences of corruption. Their financial strain is compounded by psychological trauma, and their trust in law enforcement is all but destroyed. In a country where hope in justice is often a gamble, their courage to speak out may yet prove to be the catalyst for long-overdue reform.

But for now, they wait—watching closely to see if the highest office in Nigeria’s policing hierarchy will act decisively, or let this case fade like so many others. One thing is certain: the nation is watching too.