A high-ranking Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) has refuted allegations that his command demands illicit fees for the submission of petitions, describing the claim as “strange” and not in line with official practice.
The controversy arose after the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), a civil society organization, attempted to file a petition against alleged land grabbers on behalf of a citizen. The case involved individuals who had previously made false allegations of IPOB membership against the landowner in an attempt to intimidate him into forfeiting property inherited from his father.
According to RULAAC, the petition was sent to the police formation via a DHL courier service but was rejected by officials. The courier reported back that personnel at the station insisted petitions could not be received by mail and must be submitted in person, requiring a payment for “submission and approval by the AIG.”
Upon receiving this feedback, a representative from RULAAC contacted the AIG directly via WhatsApp, providing a copy of the petition and the report from DHL.
In a swift reply, the AIG stated, “This information is strange. This is not the practice at FCID. Members of the Public are free to forward petitions to this office for consideration, pls.”
However, sources familiar with the station’s operations contradict the AIG’s position. A lawyer, speaking on the condition of anonymity, recently confirmed being compelled to pay a fee of N55,000 to submit a petition at the same formation. The incident highlights a potential disconnect between official police policy and the conduct of officers, raising concerns about corruption and barriers to accessing justice.
