Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Nigeria Police Force has once again reminded Nigerians that bail is free under the law, with the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, declaring that no police officer has the legal authority to demand money for bail at any station, regardless of the offence or the bail conditions attached. Iniedu, who made the clarification in an interview with the Real Broadcasting Network published on Wednesday, August 13, 2026, acknowledged that extortion remains a persistent problem but attributed it largely to a lack of public awareness of the law. "The law does not allow anyone to pay money for bail at any police station," Iniedu stated emphatically, according to the Punch report. He further advised that if an officer demands money for bail, citizens should not argue or resist openly but should quietly step outside and contact the Inspector-General of Police directly.
The police spokesperson also revealed that suspects released on bail are required to sign a form declaring that no money changed hands. However, many people sign the document without reading it because they are eager to leave custody. "Many people just sign it because they want to leave. But if you read it, it clearly states that you did not pay any money," Iniedu said. He explained that the law permits a suspect to be released on administrative bail to a reliable surety who guarantees the suspect's return for further investigation or court appearances. This process, he stressed, does not involve any financial payment.
To combat the widespread practice of extortion, Iniedu released three dedicated phone lines for Nigerians to report officers who demand illegal payments. The hotlines are 08057000001, 08057000002, and a third line that accepts text messages, voice notes, videos, or pictures for those who prefer not to speak directly. "If you go to any police station and they ask you to bring money or pay for bail, there is a very simple thing you can do. Just take out your phone," he said. "Tell the officer, 'I want to call you.' Take out your phone and dial the numbers." He further referenced an existing directive limiting the operation of Point-of-Sale (POS) agents near police formations, a measure aimed at curbing the monetisation of bail processes.
The clarification comes amid longstanding public scepticism over the "Bail is Free" mantra, with many Nigerians citing years of alleged police extortion and brutality despite official assurances. Investigations by Punch and other media outlets have documented numerous accounts of Nigerians being asked to pay for bail, with families forced to part with between ₦50,000 and ₦1 million to secure the release of loved ones. The police have repeatedly insisted that bail is a right, not a favour, and that any officer found demanding money for it will face disciplinary action. The challenge, however, lies in whether citizens will exercise their rights by reporting such incidents, and whether the police will act decisively to enforce the law. The message from the Force PRO is clear: bail is free, and any demand for payment is illegal. The ball is now in the court of Nigerians to hold the police accountable.
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