Allegations of professional misconduct and “policing for profit” have surfaced following a controversial cross-border raid by officers attached to the Makoko Police Division.
The incident, which occurred near Mopol Junction in the Ejigun area of Ogun State, has led to urgent calls for an investigation by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Disu and the Commissioners of Police for both Lagos and Ogun States.
According to eyewitness reports and community advocates, two young men identified as Mr Faruk and Mr Seye were playing snooker when they were apprehended by officers who had travelled from Lagos into Ogun State jurisdiction.
The arrest reportedly bypassed all standard operating procedures, as the team failed to report their presence or mission to the local Ayetoro Police Station, which holds jurisdiction over the area.
“The officers specifically warned the boys not to mention they were arrested in Ogun State,” a source familiar with the matter stated. “They knew they were operating outside their boundaries without authorisation.”
The situation escalated when the families of the detained men attempted to visit the Makoko Division. The wives of the suspects were reportedly turned away without being informed of any formal charges. By Saturday morning, one of the detainees, Mr Faruk, was released only after his mother allegedly paid a “bail” fee of ₦500,000.
While Mr Maruk has been freed, Mr Seye remains in custody. Reports indicate that officers are currently using Mr Seye’s personal mobile phone to contact his associates, an act community leaders believe is a move to negotiate further illegal payments.
Advocates are labelling the officers “bad eggs” who are actively undermining the goodwill and reforms established by IGP Disu. The demand from the community is clear: the unconditional release of Seye, a full refund of the ₦500,000 taken from Mr Maruk’s family, and the immediate prosecution of the officers involved.
“These are the types of actions that tarnish the image of the entire force,” said a community representative. “Travelling from Lagos to Ogun without a warrant or a valid reason, and then demanding half a million naira? This is not policing; this is extortion by people in uniform.”
Attempts to reach the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Makoko via official phone lines were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. #Securitynewsalert.com
