Police Launch Probe into Alleged N3m Extortion by Lagos Tactical Squad

The Lagos State Police Command has commenced a rigorous investigation into allegations that officers of the Onikan Police Station Tactical Squad attempted to extort N3million from a local resident at gunpoint during the early hours of Thursday.

The victim, known on social media as Boluwatife (@Tife_badass), recounted the ordeal on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that five armed police personnel intercepted him and a friend near the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge while they were en route to Victoria Island for a music event around 1a.m. Boluwatife alleged that the officers brandished rifles, forcibly removed him from the driver’s seat, and levied accusations of killing policemen in Lekki. Both men were reportedly handcuffed, loaded into a police Hilux, and driven to Onikan Police Station while the officers commandeered his vehicle.

At the station, Boluwatife described how the officers ordered him to undress in preparation for detention while searching his car and documents, ultimately finding nothing suspicious. He claimed that after two hours of intimidation, the policemen demanded N3million for his release—reducing the demand to N500,000 when he refused. During the tense exchange, he was allegedly threatened with being framed for fraud and cultism and was told he could be shot if he didn’t comply. Boluwatife managed to use his phone to contact help, prompting his eventual release.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many users expressing outrage over recurring reports of extortion, abuse, and rights violations perpetrated by tactical police squads in Lagos.

Responding to the allegations, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer CSP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that all officers implicated have been summoned to the Command Headquarters in Ikeja. The Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has tasked the Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), with leading a comprehensive probe. Hundeyin assured the public that updates on the investigation’s outcome will be provided as the process unfolds.

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The police leadership recently emphasized discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights at the SCID, noting a decline in public complaints and reiterating a zero-tolerance stance toward misconduct among officers.

As of Friday morning, the incident remained under formal review, with citizens and civil society groups calling for transparency and accountability in the handling of the case.