BREAKING: Nigerian Police Spokesperson Declares Bail Completely Free – “Walk Out and Call the IGP If Asked to Pay

In a strongly worded public statement that has gone viral across Nigeria, a top police spokesman has reminded citizens that the law strictly prohibits any payment for bail at police stations nationwide. CSP Anietie O. Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer, stated clearly during a recent interview: “The law does not allow anyone to pay for bail at any police station. If you’re asked to pay for bail, simply walk outside and call the IGP.” Speaking in Pidgin English in an interview aired by Real Broadcasting Network (RBN Pidgin) and widely shared on social media platforms including X, Iniedu emphasised that demanding or collecting money for bail constitutes an illegal act under Nigerian law. He noted that every suspect released on bail is required to sign a form that explicitly declares no money changed hands. Many people, he observed, sign the document without reading it simply because they are eager to leave the station. “Many people do not read the form they sign because it’s clearly stated there that I didn’t pay one single naira for this bail. Many will just carry it and sign without properly reading it because they just want to leave immediately,” Iniedu explained. The police official advised members of the public not to engage in arguments or open resistance if an officer demands payment. Instead, he urged them to calmly step outside the station and contact the Inspector-General of Police’s office directly using official complaint lines. He publicly shared the numbers: 08057000001, 08057000002, and a third line (08057000003) for text messages or WhatsApp, where citizens can send voice notes, videos or pictures of the incident. This reminder comes against the backdrop of persistent public complaints about alleged extortion at police stations despite long-standing official campaigns declaring that “bail is free.” Under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act and the Police Act 2020, police bail for bailable offences is meant to be granted without any fee, requiring only a suitable surety and the necessary paperwork. Iniedu’s comments have triggered mixed reactions online. While some Nigerians welcomed the clarity and the provision of hotlines, others expressed deep scepticism, pointing to widespread experiences where informal payments or “logistics” fees are still demanded before suspects are released. Commenters questioned the practicality of walking out to make a call while a relative remains in custody, and many shared personal stories of past encounters. Police authorities have repeatedly insisted that officers who collect money for bail face disciplinary action and possible prosecution. The Force maintains that improving public awareness of legal rights is key to reducing such practices and rebuilding trust between the police and citizens. The video of Iniedu’s statement has circulated rapidly since its release on August 13, 2026, amplifying calls for consistent enforcement of the free-bail policy across all police formations. Citizens are being encouraged to document any demands for payment and report them promptly through the designated channels so that erring officers can be held accountable. For now, the official message from the Nigeria Police Force remains unambiguous: bail is free, payment is illegal, and the public has been given direct lines to the highest levels of the Force to report violations. Whether this latest intervention will translate into meaningful change on the ground remains a matter of intense public debate.