VIRAL EXTORTION: EKITI OFFICERS FACE FORCE HEADQUARTERS PANEL

Police officers attached to the Ekiti State Command who were captured in a viral video during a confrontation with a motorcyclist are undergoing disciplinary proceedings at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The Ekiti policemen extortion video discipline move followed a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu .

THE VIDEO

The viral footage shows a confrontation between a motorcyclist and a police officer over a roadworthiness check.

The rider appears to resist a demand for money reportedly put at ₦20,000, while the officer speaks to him beside his motorcycle. Text accompanying the video also alleges that the officer threatened the rider during the encounter.

THE COMPLAINT

The development follows a complaint received by the Ekiti State Police Command on October 6 from representatives of the Biker Association, Federal University Oye-Ekiti chapter, over the alleged extortion and intimidation of one of its members.

In a statement issued on October 7, the command said the biker was allegedly intercepted by a police patrol team while riding alone from Itapa to Ikole-Ekiti and subjected to a demand for money under circumstances the complainants considered improper.

The command said it had identified the officers involved and taken them into custody for questioning as part of its investigation into allegations of extortion, intimidation, disobedience to lawful orders and other acts of unprofessional conduct .

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THE DISCIPLINARY ACTION

The Police Complaint Response Unit disclosed the disciplinary proceedings in an update posted on X on Tuesday, saying the action followed a directive by the Inspector-General of Police.

The update, linked to complaint tracking number CRU100953, read: “The officers in the viral video attached to Ekiti State Police Command are now at the Police Complaint Response Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja, undergoing disciplinary actions as directed by the IGP, Tunji Disu”.

THE COMMISSIONER’S WARNING

The Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Falade Micheal, directed that the officers be subjected to appropriate disciplinary procedures in line with police regulations, subject to the outcome of the investigation

“The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns all forms of extortion, intimidation, abuse of authority and other conduct capable of undermining public confidence or bringing the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute,” the command said .

It added that no police officer was authorised to demand or collect money from members of the public while carrying out legitimate police duties.

WHY IT MATTERS

Extortion by police officers is one of the most common complaints Nigerians have about law enforcement. The viral video provided visual evidence of an encounter that many citizens say they experience regularly but cannot prove.

The decision to move the officers to Abuja for disciplinary action signals that the IGP is taking the case seriously. Whether it results in meaningful sanctions or merely a reprimand will determine whether the action serves as a deterrent or a formality.

ValidViewNetwork reports that the police have not disclosed the outcome of the investigation or the specific sanctions the officers may face.