Contrary to public opinion on bail, the Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has insisted that bail is free.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, said this in an interview while fielding questions on the matter from the media on Friday in Abuja.
She called on the public to report any officer asking for money to release a suspect on bail. Adeh spoke in reaction to outcry that some police officers were demanding money to release suspects on bail in the territory.
She said the report of the erring officers would serve as a deterrent to others, adding that it was fraudulent to demand for money to release a suspect on bail.
Adeh blamed the yielding to such fraudulent demand on ignorance on the part of the victims who refused to stand on their rights.
“A similar case was reported where an officer demanded money to release a suspect on bail and when the matter was reported, we requested for evidence from the victim.
“The evidence was provided because the money was transferred to the officer’s account and actions are being taken on the issue.
“So, I encourage the public to take advantage of the FCT Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) lines on 08107314192 to report such misconduct with evidence,” she said.
Adeh urged the public to always insist on their rights and refuse any form of payment to release a suspect on bail.
FCT Police Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against corruption within the force, stressing that any officer found extorting money from suspects or their families would face disciplinary action. The command assured residents of its commitment to transparency and accountability, urging members of the public to remain vigilant, assert their rights, and cooperate with the police by promptly reporting any misconduct to help rid the system of bad eggs.
