Is bail free? How has the Nigeria police's practice of accepting cash and releasing suspects at local stations become a norm over time.

In many parts of Nigeria, the concept of bail has long been enshrined in law as a means to temporarily release suspects while awaiting trial. Yet, at local police stations, this constitutional right is increasingly overshadowed by a disturbing trend: extortion. Many citizens report being asked to pay sums of money to secure release, even when the law guarantees bail is free for minor offenses. Over time, this “cash and release” system has become normalized both within police ranks and among the general public.

For some police stations, the daily collection of bail-related cash has become a predictable source of revenue. Experts estimate that the amount of money generated in a single day at busy stations could cover the salaries of up to 20 police officers for an entire month. Yet, questions remain about the destination of these funds. Where does this money go? Few answers exist, as official records are sparse and the practice continues largely unchecked.

Many Nigerians have come to accept this extortion as “normal.” Chukwuemeka, a 34-year-old trader in Lagos, recounts his experience: “My brother was arrested for a minor traffic offense. They said I could pay N50,000 to have him released immediately. I had to find the money fast, otherwise he would have spent days in the cell. Everyone knows this is how it works, so we just pay.” For ordinary citizens, paying the bribe often seems the only practical option, reinforcing the normalization of the practice.

Criminologists warn that such extortion undermines trust in law enforcement and erodes the rule of law. Dr. Funke Adeyemi, a sociologist specializing in governance, states: “When citizens see corruption as standard procedure, it weakens social contracts and makes accountability almost impossible. This is not just a police issue—it is a societal issue.”

From a legal perspective, the law is clear. Under Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and the Constitution, bail is a right, and demanding money beyond legal bail provisions constitutes extortion and abuse of office. Legal practitioner Olawale Johnson emphasizes: “The law allows for bail without monetary payment for qualifying offenses. Police officers demanding cash outside the legal framework are acting illegally, and yet enforcement is weak.”

Despite widespread awareness, this practice continues unabated. Citizens rarely report such incidents due to fear of retaliation, while government oversight appears minimal. Critics question why successive administrations have allowed the practice to persist, effectively turning a legal right into a “business model” for police stations.

Police extortion in Nigeria, particularly in local stations, has become a disturbing norm. While citizens have normalized the payment of cash to secure release, experts and legal authorities warn of the broader implications for governance, justice, and public trust. Until accountability mechanisms are strengthened, transparency enforced, and culprits prosecuted, the question remains: how long will the right to free bail continue to be bought and sold in plain sight?

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