Crime

Police refund  ₦5.1 million extorted from Lagosian 

…Take It Back Movement hails gesture 

 

…FCID Annex, Alagbon disciplines erring officer 

 

By Bose Adelaja 

 

CITIZENS COMPASS—A human rights body, Take It Back (TIB) Movement, yesterday, appreciated the Nigeria Police Force for taking the bold step to refund the sum ₦5.1 million allegedly extorted from a Lagosian.

The sim.was extorted by one Inspector Kalu, of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos,

TIB Movement Secretary, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek,

Lagos State Coordinator of the Movement, expressed the appreciation in a statement.

He said, “The Take It Back Movement wishes to inform the general public that Mr. Onyeka Nwokolo, the young man who was criminally abducted and extorted of the sum of ₦5.1 million by officers attached to Alagbon, has successfully recovered his money following our petition and intervention.

“We deeply appreciate the swift and decisive action of the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) in charge of Alagbon, as well as CP Akinyemi, the Commissioner of Police, X-Squad Alagbon, whose professionalism and commitment to justice ensured that this matter was promptly addressed and the victim’s funds restored.

“We also extend our profound gratitude to Barrister Bolaji M. Oluwatosin, the Take It Back Movement, Lagos state lawyer and legal adviser to the movement who was physically on ground with the victim, providing legal support and ensuring that due process was followed every step of the way. His dedication and courage were instrumental in securing justice for Mr. Nwokolo.

“While we continue to demand that the officers involved (Commander Kalu, Supol Olamilekan, and others) face the full weight of the law for their criminal acts, we commend the leadership of the Nigeria Police at Alagbon for showing that accountability and integrity are still possible within the force.

“This recovery is not just a victory for Mr. Nwokolo but also a powerful reminder that collective action and vigilance by the people can defeat injustice.

“The Take It Back Movement remains resolute in standing with victims of police abuse and in pushing for a reformed Nigeria Police Force that truly serves the people.”

However, in a statement dated August 18, 2025, the FCID Annex, Alagbon, put the extorted money at N4 million.

ASP Mayegun Aminat, FCID spokesperson on behalf of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Force CID Annex, in the statement titled, “Allegations of extortion and human rights violations involving Inspector Kalu,” reads, “

The attention of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, has been drawn to a recent tweet alleging extortion and human rights violations by its personnel, specifically naming Inspector Kalu.

Upon receiving the petition, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), FCID Annex, promptly directed the CP X-Squad to investigate the matter. Following the investigation, both the officer and the POS agent were apprehended.

During interrogation, the officer admitted that a report had earlier been lodged against the petitioner by concerned citizens for allegedly terrorizing the community. Upon his arrest, the petitioner further confessed to his involvement in identity theft, providing supporting evidence. He was thereafter released on bail with instructions to return on the following Monday for continuation of the investigation.

In her statement, the POS agent confessed that the complainant had visited her stand to request the sum of ₦4 million in cash, which she provided. Subsequently, the complainant returned and left the money with her without any further explanation.

In line with its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and fair justice delivery, the AIG FCID Annex, Lagos, AIG Margaret Ochalla, ensured the full recovery of the fund, which has since been received by the petitioner. Meanwhile, Inspector Kalu is currently undergoing an Orderly Room Trial.

The AIG FCID Annex, Lagos, wishes to reassure the public of its zero tolerance for corruption and unprofessional conduct. Members of the public are encouraged to report any form of misconduct through the appropriate complaint channels, as the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to accountability and quality service delivery.”

Citizens Compass reported that the FCID Annex on Monday, in a statement titled, “We’ll thoroughly investigate, ensure appropriate punishment, AIG Force CID Annex assures victim of alleged extortion, “ said, The Nigeria Police, Force CID Annex, Alagbon, Lagos has reacted to viral online news report making the rounds about some officers under its watch who were allegedly involved in human rights violation of a Nigerian and NGN 2 million extortion from the same person. The person’s victimization story was published on Oni Foto Facebook page and also circulated by the Take It Back movement on Twitter. The victim accused the officers of physically assaulting him and teargassing his wife who was also present at the incident. The event was said to have happened on Tuesday 12th August at Unity Estate, Egbeda, Lagos, National Association of Online Security News Publishers, NAOSNP can report.

The victim called on the IGP, AIG Force CID Annex Alagbon, whose men were allegedly involved in the incident. He also called on CP Lagos Command, and the PPRO Lagos Command, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin to act decisively on the issue.

Upon getting this news, the AIG in charge of the Force CID Annex Alagbon, AIG Ochalla has swiftly reacted to the unfortunate incident urging the victim, his family, and the entire public to exercise restraint in order for the FCID Annex to get to the root of the matter asserting that she is personally involved in the investigation of the said incident.

“In a brief statement to newsmen, AIG Force CID Annex Alagbon stated: ‘I came across your recent tweet concerning personnel of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), where you raised allegations of extortion and human rights violations. Please accept our sincere apologies for the experience you may have encountered.’

“Establishing that investigation has begun and she is personally involved in the matter. She added that the said officer Kalu and others who worked with him would go through internal disciplinary mechanisms and will be brought to book if found wanting, as she noted that the Nigeria Police Force has, over the years, shown that it can purge itself and openly expose anyone who constitutes nuisance to the integrity of the Force. AIG highlighted: ‘Kindly be assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate disciplinary and legal actions will be taken against any officer found culpable.’

“’Efforts will also be made towards the recovery of any funds extorted’, she assured the family about the alleged NGN 2 million extortion.

“Ochalla encouraged Nigerians to kindly avail themselves of the Police Complaint Rescue Unit (Police CRU) which also have platforms across all social media like Twitter and Facebook to lodge complaints in case they do not want to physically go to a police station for their complaints. ‘For future reference, I encourage you to promptly reach out to our Public Complaint Unit, whose contact details are available online, so that immediate action can be taken.’

“To further reiterate her deep interest in the matter, AIG Force CID Annex Alagbon asked that the victim could reach her directly on her direct phone line. She stated: ‘Due to your account settings, I was unable to reach you directly through our official handle. However, you may contact me via 07068865833 should you wish to provide further details or evidence. We remain committed to upholding professionalism, accountability, and justice.’

 

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