Lagos Police Officer Accused Of Arresting 16-Year-Old Student In School Uniform, Collecting ₦50,000 Bribe Before Release

16-Year-Old Lagos Student Allegedly Arrested in School Uniform, Family Claims ₦50,000 Paid for Release

February 12, 2026

A 16-year-old Senior Secondary School 1 student, Jamiu Karimot, was allegedly arrested at her school in Lagos by a police officer and later released after her family reportedly paid ₦50,000.

Sources familiar with the incident told SaharaReporters that the case began after allegations emerged that another student and a man had stolen money and a mobile phone from a woman’s shop in the Jankara area of Lagos State.

According to the sources, the student accused of theft returned to school on February 2, 2026, and handed ₦45,000 to Karimot for safekeeping in the presence of other students.

On the same day, the mother of the accused student reportedly visited the school to inquire about her daughter. A source alleged that Karimot immediately informed the woman about the money and returned it to her.

“The mother collected it, counted it and prayed for Jamiu Karimot,” the source claimed.

Alleged Arrest at School

Despite the return of the money, sources alleged that a police officer identified as Officer Gbenga Owoeye later arrived at the school and arrested Karimot in her uniform, in front of teachers and students.

The sources further claimed that the teenager was taken to the Sexual and Domestic Violence Court in Ikeja without first being processed through the Ojokoro Police Division.

At about 6pm, the officer reportedly contacted Karimot’s parents, informing them that their daughter was in custody and asking them to come to Ikeja.

However, the family alleged they were initially denied access to her.

“When the parents got there, Officer Gbenga did not allow them to see their daughter. He lied that she is a thief,” one source claimed.

The family further alleged that although the officer had arrested the man said to be involved in the theft and was aware that the money had been returned, he demanded ₦50,000 before releasing the teenager.

Police Response

When contacted, Officer Gbenga denied any wrongdoing and described the case as more complex than portrayed.

“It’s a case of defilement, threatening violence, conspiracy stealing under investigation. Your client was not arrested but invited to substantiate facts of the case… we are still investigating,” he said.

He added that the matter involves two minors and stressed that minors are handled under the Child Rights Act.

“You’re welcome, transparent and credible investigation is paramount… no prejudice or malice and financial gratification should not hamper our comprehension,” he said.

The police have not released an official statement on the allegations of extortion. The investigation is said to be ongoing.