The Acting Commissioner of Police at the NRC Police Station in Kajola, Lagos, has refunded ₦30,000 to Francis Alagbe and his friend, two street photographers, after policemen attached to the station extorted the money from them on Friday.
The refund followed an intervention involving the Lagos Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) and the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, who summoned the officers responsible to Abuja for questioning.
Alagbe and his friend were arrested on Saturday after visiting the NRC Police Station to retrieve the money, following instructions from the CRU. However, they were detained, their gadgets were seized, and they were held behind the counter.
When Alagbe’s elder brother arrived at the station after becoming worried, the Acting Commissioner of Police insisted that her officers had done nothing wrong and refused to release the photographers. She claimed she would only release them upon the arrival of the Commissioner of Police.
The Lagos CRU escalated the matter to the Airport Command, which immediately contacted the station. Shortly after, the Acting Commissioner refunded the extorted ₦30,000 in cash.
Muyiwa Adejobi criticized the officers’ behavior, describing it as an attempt to intimidate the victims. He assured that the summoned officers would face questioning in Abuja.
Speaking after his release, Alagbe expressed relief and thanked those who helped resolve the situation. “I’m home now and relieved to say that I’ve been fully refunded,” he said.
The incident began when NRC policemen arrested Alagbe and his friend for allegedly taking pictures of the environment near the Alagomeji Railway. Although the photographers denied attempting to capture the train, the officers accused them of violating unspecified laws and demanded money.
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The swift intervention by fij.ng not only secured the victims’ release but also ensured the refund of their money and the summoning of the erring officers to Abuja for accountability.
