The issue of giving bribe or settlement to the Police to resolve matters at various stations has been a contentious issue. Many believe that giving any form of gratification to the Police is corruption and should be discouraged while others including some Police officers believe that it is a normal thing citing two Bible verses in the New Testament, which encourages it.
“As you are going with your adversary before the Magistrate, try diligently to be released from him, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.” Luke 12:58
In the similar way, the book of Matthew 5:25 advises settling disputes quickly with adversaries before going to Court states:
“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.”
These verses emphasize the importance of resolving conflicts promptly and amicably to avoid more severe consequences. Different Bible translations convey the same message, using phrases like “agree with thine adversary quickly” or “make friends quickly with your opponent”.
Bribery is the act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting something of value, such as money, gifts, or favours, with the intention of influencing or corrupting the behaviour of a person in a position of authority or power.
This can include: Public officials, bribing government officials, judges, or law enforcement officers to influence their decisions or actions to achieve personal benefits or advantages, in this context – to settle dispute. Bribery can take many forms, including: cash payments, direct payments of money to influence decisions, gifts or favours, services to build relationships or influence decisions etc.
However, bribery is often considered a serious offense, as it can: undermine trust, erode trust in institutions, governments, create unfair advantages and breach laws and regulations.
In many cultures and societies, bribery is viewed as a significant ethical and moral issue, and efforts are made to prevent and combat bribery through laws, regulations, and education.
Personal adversaries are individuals with whom you have a personal conflict or dispute while legal adversaries are opponents in a legal case or dispute, which could include plaintiffs, defendants, Police, judge or other parties involved in a lawsuit.
The major issue is while trying to resolve dispute, Police play an important role because they are responsible for placing charges and prosecution of the suspects, who was brought to the station by his adversaries.
The unresolved issue is, does giving the Police bribe to resolve the matter to avoid being taken to the Magistrate, prosecuted and thrown into prison in line with the advice of the Biblical verses amount to corruption?
The question has not been resolved because the Force Police Public Relations Officer, ACP Oluwuyiwa Adejobi, could not be reached for reactions as at the time of filing this report.