Human rights group investigates N1m extortion case

Fresh allegations of extortion and abuse of police power have emerged in Lagos and Osun states, with a human rights organization calling for investigations into the alleged collection of $1.1 million from a university student and two brothers in separate incidents.

The Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR), Ikorodu North Unit II, Lagos State, has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force over the alleged unlawful arrest, assault, extortion and seizure of mobile phone of a student of Osun State University, Mr. Salami Michael.

In its petition dated 26 September 2026 to the Area Commander, Area Command N, Ijede, Ikorodu, signed by its Coordinator, Comrade Bamiro Adeboye, CDHR said a police officer identified as Iku-Kenny stopped Michael while he was traveling with his father around Ewu-Agbo, Gberigbe.

The officer allegedly accused the student of being a thief and “Yahoo boy,” handcuffed him and took him to the station.

The CDHR further said that Michael’s phone had been seized, his password had been requested and private content, including photographs, had been accessed. The group also said he was attacked and suffered injuries.

The petition states that $10 million was requested for his release before negotiations reduced the amount to $600,000, which the family would pay in cash.

While the SIM card would be returned, the CDHR said the phone remained in police custody.

The group also said that Michael was later arrested at Okuku Police Division, Osun State, for information obtained from the seized phone.

In a separate development, two brothers, Franklin and Michael, were reportedly detained at the Ogombo Police Division, Lagos, for three days following a family dispute involving their American-based mother.