A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Oke, SAN, has filed a formal petition to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, demanding an urgent investigation into the alleged abduction and extortion of Mr. Segun Okubajo, a Nigerian resident abroad, by some police officers.
According to the petition, the sum of ₦151.5 million was allegedly extorted from Mr. Okubajo under duress following what was described as a violent and unjustified arrest in Lagos, and subsequent transfer to Abuja.
Filed on behalf of Mr. Okubajo Kehinde, father of the alleged victim, the petition named four police officers who reportedly abducted Segun Okubajo on October 9, 2024, without any known complaint or criminal charge against him.
“Our client’s son, Segun Okubajo, who had no criminal complaints against him from any source or by any person, was violently arrested… The said officers invaded his apartment with heavy weapons, disabled CCTV surveillance, seized his phones, and took him away in leg chains and handcuffs to the Force CID, Area 10, Abuja,” the petition stated.
It further alleged that the arrest was orchestrated in collaboration with two identified civilian informants known for framing foreign-based Nigerians in schemes aimed at extortion.
The SAN said the officers initially demanded ₦1 billion, but eventually settled for a “negotiated” amount of ₦151.5 million, which the family raised through loans, business contributions, and cooperative societies—all in a bid to secure Segun’s release and safety.
Following the alleged extortion, Segun reportedly returned abroad but has since faced ongoing threats from the officers, who allegedly warned the family against seeking justice or reporting the incident to higher authorities.
Despite filing earlier petitions in November 2024, including one to the IGP’s office, Prof. Oke said the threats have continued unabated, prompting this fresh petition demanding swift and decisive action.
In the petition, the senior lawyer requested that the IGP:
Prof. Oke emphasized that failure by the Police authorities to act within the stipulated time frame would leave the family with no choice but to explore other legal and institutional options to seek justice.
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