Police in Lagos State have alleged that they rejected a total N500,000 bribes after arresting four suspected armed robbers and cultists.
The bribes were offered by suspects who wanted to secure freedom for their associates.
Confirming the incident, the police spokesman in Lagos, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, on Thursday said that an Anti-crime patrol team from Area ‘J’ Command, Elemoro, carried out the arrest during a routine stop and search operation on 4th September at about 12.30 a.m.
He said that one of the suspects simply identified as Timothy, 23 years old, a resident of No. 9, Baale Street, Majek, Ajah, was arrested at the General Paint Garden area, Lekki in Lagos.
Ajisebutu said one locally-made double barrel gun and two live cartridges, including an expended cartridge concealed in a bag were recovered from Timothy.
The spokesman said another suspect, who claimed to be a cultist with the Aiye Confraternity, simply identified as Toheed, 22 years old, was arrested with a live cartridge at the General Paint ghetto area, Ajah at about 12.45 a.m. on the same day.
The case became interesting when two other men allegedly offered a total of N500,000 in bribes to the police to secure the release of the two suspects, leading to the arrest of the men.
“While one 34-year-old Sunday, resident of 66, Henry Smith Close, Abidjan GRA, Ajah, offered N400,000 cash to secure the release of the first suspect (Timothy), one Akeem, 43 years old, offered the sum of N100, 000 cash to secure the second suspect (Toheed). Determined to ensure justice through thorough investigation, the uncompromising police officers in charge of the case rejected the bribe,” Ajisebutu said.
The police spokesman said the Commissioner of Police in Lagos, CP Hakeem Odumosu commended the professionalism and uncompromising act of the police officers, admonishing other officers to emulate the incorruptible ones.
“The CP has, however, directed that the case be transferred to the command’s Tactical Team for further investigations and prosecution,” he said. (with NAN reports)
