A growing number of residents in Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial capital, have voiced deep frustration over what they describe as the persistent misconduct and unprofessional behavior of some police officers across the state. Many say the actions of such officers have eroded public trust and undermined the principles of community policing.
Okay News reports that several residents shared their experiences and opinions during separate interviews conducted in Lagos, revealing widespread concerns about extortion, intimidation, and rights abuses.
One victim recounted how he was accosted by three policemen in the Isheri area of Lagos and accused of being an internet fraudster because of his dreadlocks. “They rough-handled me, dragged me into their stationary vehicle, and demanded to see my account balance,” he said. “They asked for ₦100,000 from the ₦151,000 I had, threatening to shoot me if I refused. I gave them ₦30,000 out of fear.”
In another case, a community member in Ayobo alleged that a burglary suspect apprehended by residents and handed to the police was released shortly afterward. “We caught a man who broke into a house to steal a laptop. The police collected ₦3,000 before letting us write a statement, and days later the suspect was back in the community,” he lamented. “How can we trust a system where criminals can buy their freedom?”
A teacher in the Ipaja area shared a similar account, revealing that his brother was detained after being wrongly accused of stealing a phone. “Even when the complainant returned to say the phone was found with his son, the police still tried to arraign my brother,” he said. “It took a senior officer’s intervention to get him released.”
Residents like Bayo Adekunle, a Lagos-based banker, say such experiences make citizens lose faith in law enforcement. He urged the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to strengthen its collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force to improve professionalism and restore integrity. “Our uniformed men collect bribes with impunity,” he said. “In some countries, bribery is a serious crime — we must treat it that way if we want progress.”
However, Okay News reports that some respondents acknowledged ongoing improvements in certain areas of police operations, particularly in intelligence gathering and crime tracking. Alaba Shofolahun of the Lagos Neighbourhood Security Watch commended recent advances, noting, “The speed with which police now track criminals is commendable. We should encourage them to do better, not just criticize.”
A student of Lagos State University, Kemi Fatokun, also shared a positive encounter. “I got stranded in Ajah late at night, and a police officer helped me get home safely without asking for anything. It reminded me that there are still good officers,” she said.
Responding to public complaints, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to accountability and stronger community relations. Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum marking Customer Service Week in Ikeja, Jimoh emphasized that “effective policing begins with understanding community priorities.”
He urged residents to see the police as partners in peacebuilding, stressing that early conflict resolution helps prevent crime. Addressing misconduct allegations, Jimoh reiterated that “bail is free” and assured that disciplinary measures were in place for erring officers.
“Report any officer who demands bail payment,” he said. “All police services remain free, and extortion in any form will not be tolerated.”
Jimoh added that the command was entering “a new phase of engagement,” aimed at rebuilding public trust through proactive outreach. “We are no longer waiting for the people to come to us — we are going to them,” he said. “The public should expect more empathy, friendliness, and accountability.”
Residents were encouraged to report misconduct to the Lagos State Complaint Response Unit (CRU) through its dedicated hotline and social media platforms.
