UNIOSUN Student Alleges Police Arrest, Assault, N600,000 Extortion, Phone Seizure In Lagos

The Committee for the Defence 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 the mobile phone of a student of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Mr Salami Michael.

In a petition dated September 26, 2026 and addressed to the Area Commander, Area N Command, Ijede, Ikorodu, the rights group accused a police officer identified as Iku-Kenny of subjecting Michael to what it described as “gross unprofessional conduct” and abuse of office.

According to the petition, the incident occurred about two weeks before the complaint when Michael and his father were travelling home through the Ewu-Agbo area of Gberigbe, Ikorodu.

CDHR alleged that the officer stopped Michael in the presence of his father, accused him of being a thief and a “Yahoo boy”, handcuffed him and took him to a police station.

The rights group further alleged that the officer seized Michael’s mobile phone, compelled him to disclose his password and accessed private contents on the device, including photographs.

The student was also allegedly assaulted during the incident and sustained injuries, according to the petition.

CDHR alleged that the officer initially demanded N10 million for Michael’s bail but later agreed to N600,000 following negotiations with the family.

The family allegedly paid the N600,000 in cash before Michael was released.

The rights group said the officer subsequently removed the SIM card from the phone and returned it to Michael but allegedly retained the mobile device.

“Upon his release, the officer removed the SIM card and gave it to him, but illegally seized his phone till date,” the petition stated.

CDHR said the matter took another turn when Michael was allegedly arrested again at the Okuku Police Division in Osun State.

According to the petition, the second arrest followed a private call allegedly made by a police officer who claimed to have seen documents on Michael’s phone.

The officer allegedly claimed that a female student of Osun State University had been asked to pay money to obtain her documents.

“Last week, Mr. Salami Michael was again arrested at Okuku Police Division, Osun State, based on a private call allegedly made by an officer who claimed to have seen some documents on Mr. Salami’s phone and demanded money from a lady in Osun State University to collect her documents,” the petition stated.

CDHR alleged that the actions amounted to violations of Michael’s rights to dignity, privacy and freedom from unlawful treatment.

The organization cited the Nigeria Police Act 2020, the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and other relevant laws on fundamental human rights.

The rights group subsequently demanded an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the conduct of the officer identified as Iku-Kenny.

It also demanded the immediate and unconditional return of Michael’s phone and the refund of the N600,000 allegedly paid by his family as bail.

CDHR argued that bail should not be monetized.

The group further demanded appropriate disciplinary action against the officer if the allegations are established and called for protection for Michael and his family against further harassment, intimidation or victimization.

It also urged the police to discontinue any case or charges allegedly based on information unlawfully obtained from Michael’s phone.

The petition was signed by Comrade Bamiro Adeboye, Coordinator, CDHR Ikorodu North Unit II, Lagos State.

Copies were sent to the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command; the officer in charge of the Public Complaint Response Unit (PCRU); and the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Lagos State Command.

CDHR said it had attached relevant evidence to the petition and was prepared to provide witnesses and further information to assist the investigation.

SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, had not responded to Sahara Reporters' calls and messages seeking comment on the allegations at the time of filing this report.