IGP Egbetokun
A Nigerian family has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, alleging that operatives of the Nigeria Police Force extorted N151.5 million from them in exchange for the release of their son, Segun Okubajo, who they claim was unlawfully detained.
The petition, filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Oke, on behalf of the victim’s father, Mr. Okubajo Kehinde, alleges that Segun, who resides abroad, was abducted by four officers and transported from Lagos to Abuja under force.
“Our client’s son, Segun Okubajo, who had no criminal complaints against him from any source or by any person, was violently arrested on October 9, 2024, by the above-named officers,” the petition stated.
The document further claims that the officers stormed Segun’s residence with “heavy weapons,” disconnected his CCTV systems, seized his phones, and restrained him with leg chains and handcuffs before moving him to the Force CID office in Area 10, Abuja.
According to the family, Segun was targeted by two alleged informants, Oladipo Ibrahim and Shedrach Luka, who are “known informants who specialise in framing up perceived foreign-based Nigerians in collusion with the above-named policemen and others.”
“The duo capitalised on Segun Okubajo’s visit to Nigeria to orchestrate a framed-up, imaginary allegation, without any complainant, with the sole aim of criminally extorting and depriving him of a very huge sum of money,” the petition alleges.
Initially, the officers reportedly demanded a ransom of N1 billion, which was later “negotiated” down to N151.5 million. The family claims they were compelled to raise the money through loans and contributions.
“Our client informed us that upon his son’s arrest, he was later taken to Abuja where the officers initially demanded the sum of N1 billion, but ended up collecting a total sum of N151,500,000.00,” the petition read.
“To save his son’s life, himself and members of the family decided to raise the sum… through loans from their businesses, friends, associates, and their cooperative societies.”
After regaining his freedom, Segun reportedly returned overseas, but the family alleges that threats from the implicated officers have continued.
“The aforementioned police officers have resorted to acts of desperation which include sending threat messages to Segun Okubajo and members of his family against pursuing justice.”
“They also threatened them from seeking justice through any other means or channel, in a desperate bid to cover or obliterate their criminal act,” the petition added.
The family previously submitted a complaint in November 2024 but says there has been no satisfactory response.
They now demand a thorough investigation, the return of the extorted funds, and disciplinary measures against the officers.
“It is not the intention of the instant petition to make public or immediately resort to extensive litigation or drag the presidency, the international community and other local bodies… at this point in time.”
“However, failure to comply shall leave us with no alternatives but to take further steps,” it warns.
The legal team also emphasized that the petition includes “documents, videos and pictures” as evidence.
Meanwhile, when asked if the police leadership had received the petition, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi responded, “I will find out from the DIG if this has been received.”
