A police officer has reiterated that bail remains free in Nigeria, urging citizens to stop paying money to secure the release of suspects from police custody.
According to the officer, the principle of “bail is free” is clearly established under Nigerian law, and no individual should be required to make unofficial payments before being granted bail. The officer warned that some members of the public are often misled into paying money to unauthorized persons who claim they can facilitate the bail process.
He encouraged Nigerians to report any police personnel or intermediaries who demand money in exchange for bail, stressing that such actions are illegal and contrary to the regulations guiding law enforcement operations.
The statement comes amid ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to educate citizens about their rights and improve public confidence in the justice system. Authorities have repeatedly emphasized that while certain administrative requirements may be necessary during the bail process, bail itself is not supposed to attract any fee.
Citizens have been advised to remain informed about their legal rights and to report cases of extortion through the appropriate police complaint channels.
Background
Under Nigerian law, the phrase “Bail is Free” is widely recognized, meaning that police officers are not permitted to charge money for granting bail. The Nigeria Police Force has on several occasions reminded officers and members of the public that demanding or paying money for bail is unlawful.
Authorities continue to encourage Nigerians to speak up against corruption and report any violations whenever they occur.