Lagos Traditional Worshippers Accuse Police of Extortion

In the bustling city of Lagos, three traditional worshippers found themselves at the center of a bizarre and unsettling situation.

Adejuwon Idowu, Akanbi Samuel, and Adetayo Oyelami were allegedly extorted by the state police for being in possession of a bowl containing cowries and palm kernel.

The incident has sparked outrage among the community and raised questions about the treatment of traditional worshippers by law enforcement.

According to the victims, they were driving along the Ikotun-Ijegun road when the officers attached to the state Commissioner of Police Tactical Unit flagged them down for a stop and search.

Upon discovering the bowl, the police officers allegedly tagged the men as ritualists and took them to the Ijegun Oja Police Station, where they were made to pay a hefty sum of ₦258,000.

The traditionalists claimed that the police officers handcuffed them and detained them for over four hours, while threatening to lock them up before demanding the money.

In a twist of irony, one of the victims revealed that the bowl was simply a gift from his father, a traditionalist based in Osun State.

The Lagos Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that he was aware of the incident and had referred the matter to the Complaint Response Unit.

This development has left the traditional worshippers reeling from the injustice, and they are now seeking justice for the humiliation and financial loss they have endured.

The incident has sparked a conversation about the treatment of traditional worshippers and the need for better understanding and respect for their practices.

It is also a stark reminder of the ongoing issue of police extortion and the need for greater accountability within law enforcement.