Don’t Give Officers Money on Duty — FCT Police Warns Public
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has issued a strong warning to residents and visitors. The warning is clear: do not give police officers money while they are on duty.
The police made this statement to stop the rising cases of bribery and inducement. The command said both officers and members of the public must act within the law.
The message came from the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale. He stressed that anyone who offers or collects money is breaking the law.
Police Say Bail Is Free
The Commissioner repeated what the law says: bail is free.
No officer has the right to ask you for money before granting bail. No officer has the right to demand money for normal documentation.
He warned that any officer caught collecting bribes will face punishment. Disciplinary action will follow. The officer may even be prosecuted in court.
The public was also warned. Offering money is a crime too. The police say anyone who gives officers money is also guilty.
A Warning to the Public
The warning was not only for police officers. It was also for citizens.
The police command said people should not tempt officers with cash. Many people offer money to escape fines, punishment, or lawful arrest.
But this act is against the law.
The command reminded residents that giving money is a crime under the Penal Code Act, Section 118.
So, both giving and receiving bribes are wrong.
Why the Warning Matters
The warning is part of a campaign to stop corruption in Abuja and across Nigeria.
Police officers are expected to serve the people. They must do this without asking for or taking money.
Citizens are expected to cooperate with the police. But they should not use money to buy freedom or to escape justice.
The FCT police say corruption weakens trust. When people give officers money, the system fails. Justice is denied.
📌 Call to Action
If a police officer asks you for money, do not give. Report the case immediately. The Complaint Response Unit (CRU) is open for such reports.
Past Warnings Against Bribes
This is not the first time the police have spoken against bribery.
In February 2024, the spokesperson of the FCT Police, SP Josephine Adeh, also gave a reminder. She said people who give bribes are partners in crime.
She told the public to report officers who ask for bribes. She also asked people not to give excuses for bribery.
The message then is the same now: don’t give money, don’t take money.
Human Rights Concerns
Human rights groups have often raised alarm about bribery in the police.
Many people who are poor suffer most. They are forced to pay money they do not have. They pay for bail. They pay for release from illegal detention.
The law says bail is free. But in reality, people are asked to pay. This is abuse.
The latest warning from the FCT Commissioner is seen as a step to protect citizens’ rights.
📌 Call to Action
If you are forced to pay for bail, speak out. Report to the CRU or trusted rights groups. Silence only helps corruption grow.
Illegal Detention Must End
The FCT Commissioner also ordered the release of all people held in police cells without due process.
He said no one should be kept in custody without charge.
Human rights groups have welcomed this move. They say it will reduce illegal detention.
The Law Is Clear
Section 118 of the Penal Code is clear.
It is an offence to give or accept a bribe.
This means both police officers and members of the public must obey the law.
No excuse is accepted.
Fighting Corruption in the Force
The fight against bribery is not easy. Corruption has been in the system for long.
But the FCT Police Command says change must begin now.
It has promised to monitor its officers. Any officer caught collecting bribes will be punished.
The public too has a role. They must resist giving bribes.
📌 Call to Action
If you see corruption, don’t keep quiet. Report it. Your voice can save another person from abuse.
The Complaint Response Unit (CRU)
The CRU is one of the strongest tools in this fight.
It was set up to listen to complaints. It works as a bridge between the public and the police.
Citizens can call, text, or use online platforms to report bad officers.
The CRU is active and has been working to punish erring officers.
The Public Reaction
Reactions to the warning have been mixed.
Some people say it is a good step. They believe it will stop abuse.
Others doubt the police. They say officers will still collect money in secret.
Human rights groups say the warning must not stop at words. It must be backed by action.
Why People Still Give Bribes
Many people give bribes because they are afraid. They fear being locked up. They fear being delayed.
Others give bribes to escape punishment.
This cycle has gone on for years.
But the police now want it to stop.
Building Trust Again
Trust between the police and the public has been weak.
Bribery and extortion have damaged this trust.
The FCT Commissioner says the only way forward is honesty and transparency.
The police must stop asking for bribes. The people must stop giving bribes.
📌 Call to Action
Trust can only return if we all play our part. Say no to bribes. Report corruption. Support justice.
Voices From the Street
People in Abuja have shared their views.
Some say they have paid money many times at checkpoints.
Others say officers sometimes demand money before writing statements.
But they welcome the warning. They hope it will bring real change.
What Next for the Police
The FCT Command says it will continue to train officers.
Officers will be reminded of the law. They will be warned of punishment.
The command also plans to work with human rights groups. Together, they hope to reduce bribery.
The Role of Citizens
Citizens also have a duty.
They must obey the law. They must avoid short cuts. They must not give bribes to escape justice.
The police say without the cooperation of the public, the fight against corruption will fail. read also Court Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s Request for Transfer from Sokoto at docunewscentral.com
National Importance
This warning is not just for Abuja. It is for the whole nation.
Nigeria has long struggled with corruption in security agencies.
The step taken in FCT can inspire other states.
Conclusion
The message is simple:
Don’t give money to officers.
Don’t collect money as an officer.
Report corruption.
Stand for justice.
The FCT Police Command has spoken. Now the people must act.
If the message is obeyed, both the police and the public will win.
Trust will grow. Rights will be safe. Justice will be fair. visit also legit.com
✅ DocuNews Central
Truth. Clarity. Justice.
Your article helped me a lot, is there any more related content? Thanks!