Lagos Police Reimburse ₦150,000 to Woman Who Accused Tactical Squad Officers of Kidnapping

The Lagos State Police Command has refunded ₦150,000 to a woman who alleged that officers of the state tactical squad kidnapped her and two friends and demanded ₦800,000 for their release.

The victim, Helena Nelson Ikoi, revealed the development on her Facebook page after she visited the police station with a friend, Jude, to meet the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) handling the case. He said the officers involved were initially aggressive but appeared subdued during the encounter.

Ikoi said the DPO assured her that the officer who allegedly slapped her would be identified and punished.

“Hi everyone, update on the police matter. We had a long conversation with the DPO, who promised to bring the officer who slapped me to book,” he wrote.

He also expressed gratitude for the refund, which followed widespread public attention on social media.

“I have been refunded the 150,000 we paid earlier. For that, I am grateful. I really hope these policemen are dealt with and I promise to follow up,” Ikoi added.

According to Ikoi, officers had intercepted her and her friends as they returned from activities related to Chef Anani’s Guinness World Record Grillathon. They were allegedly taken to Oko-Baba in Ebute Metta and forced to pay ₦800,000 for their release.

His previous post detailing the incident sparked public outrage, prompting social media calls for the Lagos state government and police authorities to investigate the allegations.

“I want to appreciate everyone who shared, commented, called, and reported the incident, which helped me get reimbursement and hopefully some semblance of justice,” he wrote.

Police have reportedly launched an internal investigation into the conduct of the officers involved in the alleged kidnapping and extortion. Ikoi, meanwhile, said she would return home to rest and recover, but planned to continue participating in the second day of the Grillathon event.

This case has reignited the debate on police misconduct in Lagos, particularly involving the tactical squad, popularly known as “Buffalo”, and the need for more rigorous accountability mechanisms.

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