UK-based Nigerian man reveals how Lagos police insisted that he paid a mere N200k before they can go after the criminals that robbed him at gun point

A UK-based Nigerian man has alleged that police in Lagos State demanded a N200,000 bribe before they would investigate a robbery that he was a victim of.

The man, who identified himself as Kingsley, said he was robbed at gunpoint on September 10, 2023, while driving in the Lekki area of Lagos. He said the robbers took his laptop, phone, and cash.

Kingsley said he reported the robbery to the police, but they refused to investigate the case until he paid the bribe. He said he eventually paid the bribe because he was desperate to get his belongings back.

“I was shocked and disappointed when the police demanded a bribe from me,” Kingsley said. “I thought the police were supposed to protect me, not extort me.”

The Lagos State Police Command has denied the allegation, saying that Kingsley is making false claims.

“The police do not demand bribes from crime victims,” said a police spokesperson. “We are committed to investigating all crimes and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

Kingsley’s allegation is the latest in a series of cases of police corruption in Nigeria. In recent years, there have been numerous reports of police officers demanding bribes from citizens in exchange for services, such as issuing traffic tickets or investigating crimes.

The Nigerian government has pledged to crack down on police corruption, but the problem remains widespread. Kingsley’s case is a reminder of the challenges that citizens face when they try to get justice from the police.