CITIZENS COMPASS– A human rights lawyer, Yakubu Eleto Esq, has condemned the recent requirement of N50,000 fee for submission of petitions at the Police Federal Criminal Investigations Department (FCID), Alagbon, Lagos.
Eleto, the Head of Yakubu Eleto Chambers, expressed his frustration over the weekend, in a letter addressed to AIG Augustina Ogbodo, Assistant Inspector General of Police, FCID, Alagbon, in Lagos stating the frustration his client went through in the name of submitting a petition at FCID.
The letter was dated, Friday, April 25, 2025.
It reads, “On Thursday, the 24th of April, 2025, our law firm, acting through one of our legal representatives, Mr. Olalekan Ogunbunmi of counsel, visited the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, FCID Alagbon, AIG Augustina Ogbodo, to obtain an update regarding a protest petition submitted earlier on the 16th of April, 2025. The petition in question was duly acknowledged by the office of the AIG upon submission.
“To our utmost surprise and dismay, no record of the petition could be found in the office’s registry. After a prolonged search lasting over an hour, our counsel was informed by officers at the registry that the petition would not be approved unless it was accompanied by a payment of Fifty Thousand Naira (₦50,000). When Mr. Ogunbunmi confirmed that no such payment was made, the registry staff reiterated that such a payment was necessary for approval.
“In disbelief, I personally visited the office later the same day, presenting the acknowledged copy of our petition. Shockingly, I was met with the same response. I was again informed that petitions not accompanied by a payment of ₦50,000 would not be approved. One of the registry staff went so far as to advise me to re-submit the petition with the required sum, assuring me that it would be approved immediately thereafter.
“This development is deeply troubling and highly unbecoming of an institution tasked with upholding justice, equity, and the rule of law. Under previous administrations and prior to the tenure of the current Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, it was possible for citizens—regardless of their financial capacity—to submit petitions and expect them to be fairly reviewed.
“The current state of affairs, where the consideration of a petition is allegedly dependent on an unofficial financial payment, constitutes a grave injustice and a blatant obstruction of access to justice. It not only erodes public trust in the police force but also sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the constitutional right of every citizen to seek redress and protection through lawful means.
“It is deeply disappointing that the office of AIG Augustina Ogbodo appears to be enabling or tolerating such unethical practices. We call on the appropriate authorities, the media, civil society organizations, and the general public to urgently investigate this issue and ensure that accountability is enforced.
“Justice should never be for sale. The Nigeria Police Force must rise above corrupt practices and fulfill its constitutional mandate to protect and serve all citizens equally—irrespective of their financial standing.”
At press time, spokesperson, FCID, Alagbon, Mayegun Aminat did not respond to messages put across her cell phone by Citizens Compass.
