Association reports Inspector Olayemi, team over alleged N1m gunpoint extortion
Daud Olatunji
The Nigerian Bar Association, Abeokuta Branch, has reported a police inspector and other officers to the Ogun State Police Command over an allegation that they forced a resident, Mr Samuel Soyemi, to transfer more than N1m into a Point-of-Sale account at gunpoint.
The association, led by its chairman, Chief Kayode Aderemi, raised the allegation during a meeting with the Commissioer of Police Bode Ojajuni and other officers in the state command over concerns bordering on alleged misconduct by some officers, prolonged detention of suspects and excessive charges for the enforcement of court judgments.
The NBA identified the police inspector involved in the reported incident as Inspector Oladapo Olayemi, alleging that he and his team of officers forced Soyemi to make the transfer under duress.
The allegation was among several issues presented by the association as it sought the intervention of the police authorities in addressing complaints involving the conduct of some personnel in the state.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the meeting also examined complaints about the alleged use of remand proceedings to keep suspects in detention for more than 60 days across Ogun State.
The association reportedly expressed concern that some officers were applying for remand orders in circumstances that could result in prolonged detention, urging the command to ensure that investigations and detention procedures complied with the law.
The association reportedly described as an unwholesome practice instances in which some police officers allegedly sought remand orders that resulted in suspects remaining in detention for more than 60 days.
The NBA’s concern centres on the need to ensure that the criminal justice process does not become a means of subjecting suspects to prolonged detention without due regard for applicable laws and their fundamental rights.
The association urged the police command to address the recurring complaints and ensure that officers acted within the limits of their legal powers.
The issue adds to the wider concerns raised by the NBA over the handling of investigations and the relationship between law enforcement personnel and legal practitioners in the state.
The association also complained about alleged excessive charges imposed by some police officers during the execution of court judgments and orders.
The NBA reportedly told the police authorities that the practice created difficulties for lawyers and litigants seeking to enforce decisions of competent courts.
Responding, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations advised lawyers to report cases of excessive charges to his office or that of the Commissioner of Police.
The response provided a channel through which the association and affected litigants could bring specific complaints to the attention of the command for appropriate action.
The issue of judgment enforcement is particularly significant where parties rely on police assistance to implement court decisions. The NBA’s complaint highlights the need for transparency in the process and accountability where allegations of improper charges arise.
The police command, in turn, raised concerns about lawyers who allegedly present civil disputes as criminal matters through petitions to law enforcement agencies.
According to the meeting’s feedback, the command advised lawyers to desist from using criminal complaints to pursue matters that are essentially civil in nature.
The police also addressed the submission of petitions involving land disputes to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 or the Inspector-General of Police in Abuja.
The feedback stated that, under a directive attributed to the Inspector-General of Police, petitions concerning land matters should henceforth be directed to police formations within the state where the disputed land is situated.
The directive is intended to ensure that land-related complaints are handled by the appropriate formations.
The handling of lawyers’ mobile phones at police stations was another issue discussed during the meeting.
The Commissioner of Police reportedly explained that requiring visitors to leave their phones at a designated desk was generally a matter of discretion.
According to the feedback, the police chief said the practice was informed by concerns that some lawyers had previously recorded sensitive conversations without authorisation.
He reportedly added that lawyers who needed their phones during their visits could request temporary access to them at the station.
The discussion highlighted the need to balance security concerns within police facilities with the practical requirements of lawyers performing their professional duties.
The command also cautioned lawyers against allegedly assisting clients to disobey court orders.
According to the meeting’s feedback, the Commissioner of Police cited instances in which some lawyers were said to have aided clients in disregarding court directives and urged members of the Bar to desist from such conduct.
The police further appealed to lawyers to ensure that fundamental rights enforcement actions were instituted in deserving cases rather than allegedly being used to shield suspects from lawful investigations.
The command expressed concern that some lawyers resorted to petitions to higher police authorities, including Zone 2, or fundamental rights proceedings in ways that could delay or frustrate investigations.
The association reportedly noted that several of the issues discussed had persisted over time, making it necessary to establish a feedback mechanism instead of relying on occasional meetings.
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