The Nigeria Police Force has detained officers in Ogun State who allegedly demanded money to facilitate the tracking of a missing seven-year-old girl, Mercy Akande.
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed the arrest on Saturday, describing the officers’ actions as “inhuman, apathetic, and unprofessional.”
The incident began on December 23 when Akande, the daughter of a Point-of-Sale (PoS) operator, was reported missing in Sango, Ogun State. According to a relative, identified as Miyakee on the X platform, the girl was allegedly abducted by a male customer of her mother.
Miyakee explained that the man, a regular customer, often bought food and gifted money to the girl. On the morning of her disappearance, he sent her to buy water. Witnesses saw him intercept her on her return before both vanished.
The matter was reported to the local police, but officers allegedly demanded N40,000 to process the case—N10,000 for filing the report and N30,000 for tracking the suspect.
Reacting to the situation, Adejobi assured the public that the Ogun State Police Command was actively investigating the case and working to locate the missing girl. He also confirmed disciplinary action against the officers involved in the bribe demand.
“We urge the family of the victim to cooperate with the police as efforts to rescue the girl are in progress,” Adejobi said.
The case has sparked outrage, highlighting ongoing concerns about misconduct and inefficiency within the police force.
