Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Police Force has come under scrutiny following allegations that officers attached to the Ondo State Command, under Commissioner of Police Lawal Adebowale, extorted ₦2 million from a group of pastors arrested in February 2026, while the Force leadership has yet to issue a detailed public response to the claims.
The allegations, first reported by investigative accounts, suggest that the clergymen were arrested on February 11, 2026, at Saint Paul Anglican Church in Odode-Idanre, where they had gathered ahead of a planned crusade. They were reportedly taken into custody by a police team led by Inspector Sunday Aluko, acting under the command structure of the state police leadership.
According to accounts attributed to the pastors, they were detained for several days on allegations that they intended to stage a fraudulent miracle during the religious programme. They claim they were not presented with evidence supporting the accusation and were denied access to legal or family contact during the early period of detention.
The clergymen involved were identified as Olarewaju Fadahunsi, Gbadura Marvelous, Arijesulola Kayode, along with others named Tijani and Kolade. They alleged that their arrest escalated into prolonged detention at the state police headquarters in Akure, where they were later taken before senior officers for interrogation.
The pastors further alleged that during their detention, they were threatened and pressured to make payments in order to secure their release. They claimed that an initial demand of ₦6 million was communicated to them by officers, which they were unable to raise in full.
According to their account, the amount was later reduced after negotiations, and they were eventually made to pay ₦2 million through a Point of Sale operator allegedly introduced by officers. They also alleged that the transaction was made into a MoniePoint account linked to a business name, with cash subsequently collected by individuals connected to the operation.
They further claimed that additional payments were requested in the course of their detention, including what they described as transport or “fuel” charges allegedly collected by officers involved in the case. The pastors also alleged that after their initial release, they were re-arrested days later and their vehicles were seized following the submission of a legal petition challenging their detention.
One of the clergymen, speaking through accounts attributed to him, described being held for several days without access to external communication and said they were later compelled to sign undertakings under pressure. He also alleged that statements were taken from them asserting involvement in fraudulent religious activities, which they disputed.
The allegations have sparked widespread reactions across social media, with many Nigerians calling for a formal investigation into the conduct of officers involved. Critics have also raised concerns about accountability within the police command structure and the handling of complaints involving civilians and religious figures.
The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, had earlier acknowledged receipt of complaints relating to the incident and stated that an internal review process had been initiated to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of the pastors. However, no final outcome of that process has been publicly communicated.
The leadership of the Nigeria Police Force has also not issued a detailed statement addressing the specific allegations of extortion, despite growing public pressure and calls for transparency. The Force headquarters, under Inspector-General Olatunji Disu, has yet to announce any disciplinary measures or investigative findings related to the case.
The allegations come amid broader concerns about police conduct and accountability in Nigeria, where issues of unlawful detention, extortion, and abuse of office have remained recurring themes in public discourse and human rights reports over the years.
Civil society observers note that while the police play a critical role in maintaining law and order, allegations of misconduct, if not promptly addressed, can undermine public trust in law enforcement institutions and weaken community cooperation in security efforts.
The pastors involved have maintained their stance, insisting that they were victims of extortion and abuse of power during their detention. They have called for a transparent and independent investigation into the actions of officers involved, including those in supervisory positions at the state command level.
As of the time of this report, no criminal charges have been publicly disclosed against the pastors, and no formal disciplinary outcomes have been announced regarding the officers accused in the matter. The situation remains under public scrutiny as stakeholders await further clarification from the police authorities.
Human rights advocates have also urged the authorities to ensure accountability while respecting due process, stressing that any investigation should be thorough, impartial, and in line with constitutional protections for all citizens.
The case has continued to generate debate about the balance between policing authority and civil liberties, particularly in situations involving religious gatherings and allegations of fraud or misconduct.
With mounting public attention, pressure is increasing on the Nigeria Police Force to provide a comprehensive explanation and demonstrate transparency in handling the allegations in order to restore confidence in its internal disciplinary mechanisms.
For now, the matter remains unresolved, with the key allegations still under review and awaiting official conclusions from relevant authorities.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments