TIB Lagos State Chapter Secures Refund of ₦50,000 Extorted by Area E Police in Festac After Arrest of Woman Over Vitamin Supplements, Condemns Rising Cases of Extortion

The Lagos State Chapter of the Take It Back Movement (TIB) has condemned the troubling case of police extortion involving officers of the Area E Command in Festac, Lagos, while also confirming the successful recovery of funds extorted from a victim.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, by the Lagos State Coordinator, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, popularly known as Scotty Aluta, the movement narrated how a young woman was reportedly arrested by police officers, not for any recognised offence, but for being in possession of vitamin supplements.

According to the statement, the officers proceeded to extort ₦50,000 from the victim despite the absence of any legal justification for her arrest.

“Another day, another case of police extortion,” Taofeek said. “Officers of the Area E Command, Festac, Lagos arrested a young woman today, not for theft, not for fraud, but for having vitamin supplements in her possession. Yes, vitamins.”

The coordinator further explained that upon being informed of the incident, he immediately contacted the Area Commander to demand clarification on the legal grounds for the arrest. The police authority reportedly directed that the victim appear at the command office, which she did alongside a member of the movement.

Following this intervention, the ₦50,000 extorted from the victim was fully refunded, marking what the chapter described as a small but significant victory against abuse of power.

Taofeek, however, warned that the incident reflects a wider pattern of harassment and unlawful conduct by law enforcement officers across the country, “Let this sink in: Nigerians are now being arrested and extorted for carrying ordinary supplements and basic medication. Don’t be surprised you may be arrested and extorted by the police for having paracetamol in your possession. This is not policing. This is organised extortion,” he added.

The group further questioned how many Nigerians lack the support to challenge such actions, noting that many victims may have paid similar illegal demands and remained silent.

Reaffirming its commitment to accountability, the TIB Lagos Chapter stated that it would continue to expose cases of injustice and demand reforms within the system.