Lagos TIB Coordinator Raises Alarm Over Alleged Illegal Police Raids, Extortion

The Lagos State Coordinator of the Take It Back Movement, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, has raised concerns over what he described as the increasing rate of illegal police raids, unlawful detention and extortion in his neighbourhood.

Taofeek made the allegation while recounting an incident involving some police officers who reportedly entered his street about three days ago and allegedly harassed residents.

According to him, a friend called to inform him about the situation, prompting him to switch to a video call with the friend so he could observe what was happening.

He said that while the call was ongoing, one of the police officers approached his friend and allegedly harassed him after assuming that he was recording the officers.

Taofeek questioned why police officers carrying out legitimate duties in a public place would object to being recorded.

He argued that citizens should not be treated as criminals simply for documenting the activities of law enforcement officers, particularly when officers are carrying out their duties in public.

“There is nothing inherently unlawful about recording a police officer while they are carrying out their duties in a public place,” he said.

He further expressed concern that residents could be subjected to raids, detention and extortion without committing any offence.

Taofeek warned that he could also become a victim of what he described as illegal police operations in his neighbourhood, saying he would insist on his rights if such a situation occurred.

“For the record, I may be illegally raided one of these days in my own neighbourhood, and it may get messy because I will stand my ground and insist on my rights,” he said.

He stressed that he had never been involved in any illegal activity and would not accept a situation where innocent residents were criminalised simply because they were sitting in front of their homes.

Taofeek called on Nigerians to speak out against alleged police abuse, unlawful detention and extortion, stressing that anyone could become a victim.

“You may be the victim today; I may be the victim tomorrow. That is why we must all speak up against police abuse, illegal detention and extortion,” he said.

The allegations come amid continued public discussions around police accountability, citizens’ rights and the conduct of law enforcement officers during raids and arrests.

The police authorities have not, however, publicly responded to Taofeek’s specific allegations at the time of this report.