Lagos Police Officer Detained After N10,000 Extortion Video Goes Viral

LAGOS – The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained a police officer caught on camera extorting a motorist in the Idimu area of the state. The arrest follows a viral video that sparked widespread outrage on social media, highlighting the ongoing struggle against petty corruption within the force.

​In the video, which was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user with the handle @epiccycl, a motorist narrated how he was intercepted by the officer despite having all his vehicle documents in order. The officer allegedly accused the driver of a discrepancy regarding the vehicle’s color, claiming the “ash” color listed on the registration did not match the physical appearance of the car.

​From N30,000 to a “Negotiated” N10,000

​The victim revealed that the officer initially demanded N30,000 to release the vehicle and avoid a trip to the station. After nearly 30 minutes of pleading and “negotiations,” the officer reportedly agreed to take N10,000, which the driver stated was his entire day’s earnings.

​”I told him this is the only money I’ve been trying to make just for today… and you want to take it away from me. He didn’t even care,” the motorist lamented in the recording.

​Command Reacts

​Responding to the incident on Wednesday, April 22, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed that the officer had been identified and was currently in custody.

​”The officer seen in the viral video has been identified, arrested, detained, and queried,” the Command stated. “The Lagos State Police Command will provide the full outcome of the investigation as soon as possible. Under the leadership of IGP Tunji Disu, we say #NoToImpunity.”

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​Zero Tolerance Under New Leadership

​The swift arrest comes just weeks after CP Tijani Fatai assumed office as the 42nd Commissioner of Police for Lagos State. Upon his resumption on March 27, Fatai pledged to sanitize the command and prioritize the protection of citizens’ rights.

​Insiders at the Command Headquarters in Ikeja suggest that the officer may face an “orderly room trial,” which could lead to a reduction in rank or dismissal, depending on the findings of the investigation.

​The case has reignited calls for the mandatory use of body cameras by traffic officers in Lagos to curb the frequent reports of extortion at checkpoints. For now, the Command urges residents to continue reporting unprofessional conduct through the official Police Complaint Unit channels.