The family of Sunday Jolayemi, an administrative staff member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Cooperative, has raised concerns over his continued detention by detectives at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, despite being granted bail.

Jolayemi was reportedly arrested on the directive of Mr. Ojo Akindehinde, a staff of NNPC Limited, who is alleged to be parading himself as the President of the cooperative amid ongoing internal crises. The arrest followed accusations that Jolayemi had received a cumulative sum of N7 million from the cooperative’s account — an amount said to include his annual salary and a N1 million loan for his child’s school fees.

Cooperative members and family sources claimed that although Jolayemi was granted bail, police officers demanded a N1 million fee before his release, a sum the family described as exploitative and unjust.

“He hasn’t received a salary since November 2024. He has been denied access to his medication, and this situation is taking a toll on his health,” a staff member said. “Despite providing a surety, the police insisted on a monetary condition, which we believe is unacceptable.”

The family further alleged that AIG Margaret Ochalla, under whose instruction Jolayemi remains in custody, demanded a second written statement and asked that he be brought directly to her office.

They also accused Mr. Akindehinde of influencing the process, claiming he vowed to use the influence of NNPC Limited to ensure Jolayemi remains behind bars.

However, in her response to the allegations, AIG Margaret Ochalla denied that the police demanded money for bail. She maintained that the delay in Jolayemi’s release was due to the failure of his family to provide a reliable surety.

“There was no request for money,” Ochalla said. “I personally instructed that he be granted bail to a credible surety. Unfortunately, the surety presented was not satisfactory. We have confirmed from our investigation that he embezzled funds. I do not support unlawful detention, especially over the weekend, and I gave a standing order for his release once a proper surety is provided.”

As the situation unfolds, the family is calling on the police authorities and the general public for intervention to ensure a fair and transparent process.