The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the arrest of some police officers in Ogun State for allegedly demanding payment before assisting in the search for a missing seven-year-old girl, Mercy Akande.
Adejobi disclosed on Saturday, revealing that Akande, the daughter of a Point-of-Sale (PoS) operator, was reported missing after being allegedly abducted by a male customer of her mother.
The incident, which occurred on December 23, was first brought to public attention on December 25 via the X platform by a user identified as Miyakee.
According to Miyakee, the suspect, a frequent customer, had built a rapport with the child, often buying her food and giving her money.
On the morning of the incident, he asked the girl to buy water for him.
While returning, he intercepted her and disappeared with her shortly after, leaving her mother, who was busy with other customers, unaware until it was too late.
The family reported the case to the police in Sango, Ogun State, but an officer allegedly demanded N40,000 before initiating action—N10,000 for filing the report and N30,000 for tracking the suspect.
In an update, Adejobi assured that the Ogun State Police Command was actively working on the case and expressed confidence that the child would be found soon.
He further condemned the actions of the officers who demanded money, confirming their detention and pending disciplinary measures.
“We have zero tolerance for such unprofessional and inhumane conduct. The family of the victim is encouraged to continue collaborating with the police to resolve the case,” Adejobi stated.
(AFRIPOST)