In a disturbing revelation by Sahara Reporters, a raid conducted by law enforcement officers at Hotel VIMA in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has sparked outrage. The operation, led by Divisional Police Officer Babale Hamza Galadima, saw multiple guests arrested under contentious circumstances. During the raid, the police allegedly destroyed hotel property and detained numerous occupants without justification.
According to sources, six of the detainees were released after each paid a bribe of N500,000. The extortion highlights a troubling trend of corruption and abuse of power within the Nigerian police force. Victims recounted harrowing experiences of being held unjustly and coerced into paying large sums for their freedom. One of the victims, who spoke under anonymity, detailed how the police officers threatened them with prolonged detention if they failed to comply with the payment demands.
The hotel manager corroborated the victims’ accounts, stating that while some individuals managed to secure their release through the exorbitant bribes, several hotel staff members remain in police custody. The manager expressed frustration and helplessness over the situation, calling for urgent intervention from higher authorities to address the misconduct and secure the release of the remaining detainees.
This incident has raised serious concerns about the integrity and conduct of law enforcement in Nigeria. The unlawful actions of the police officers involved have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights activists and the general public. Calls for accountability and justice have intensified, with many urging the government to investigate the matter thoroughly and implement measures to prevent such abuses in the future.
The events at Hotel VIMA are a stark reminder of the need for systemic reforms within the Nigerian police force to curb corruption and protect citizens' rights.