The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced on Saturday that several policemen in Ogun State have been arrested for demanding money before facilitating the tracking of a missing seven-year-old girl, Mercy Akande.
Akande, the daughter of a Point-of-Sale (PoS) operator, was reported missing on December 23 after being allegedly taken by a male customer of her mother.
According to a social media post shared by a relative, Miyakee, on December 25, the suspect had gained the child’s trust over time by frequently visiting the mother’s shop, buying recharge cards, and giving gifts to the child. On the morning of the incident, he reportedly sent the girl to fetch water and intercepted her on her way back. Both the suspect and the girl were missing when the mother turned her attention back to check on her daughter.
The case was reported to the police in Sango, Ogun State. However, it was alleged that a police officer demanded N40,000 from the mother—N10,000 to register the case and N30,000 for tracking the suspect.
In a statement on Saturday, Adejobi assured the public that the Ogun State Police Command was actively working on the case and expressed confidence that the missing girl would be found soon.
Additionally, he confirmed that the officers involved in demanding money had been arrested and detained for disciplinary action.
“We have condemned such an act and will not tolerate it. It is inhuman, apathetic, and unprofessional. We urge the victim’s family to continue cooperating with the police on this case,” Adejobi stated.
