Ekiti Policemen Face Disciplinary Action Over Viral Extortion Video

Police officers attached to the Ekiti State Command who were captured in a viral video during an alleged extortion incident involving a motorcyclist are undergoing disciplinary proceedings at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The Police Complaint Response Unit disclosed the development in an update posted on Tuesday, following a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu.

The unit said the officers had been brought to its office at the Force Headquarters for disciplinary action in connection with the incident.

The development followed a complaint lodged on October 6 by representatives of the Biker Association, Federal University Oye-Ekiti chapter, over the alleged extortion and intimidation of one of its members.

According to the complaint, the motorcyclist was travelling alone from Itapa to Ikole-Ekiti when he was intercepted by a police patrol team and allegedly subjected to an improper demand for money.

The Ekiti State Police Command had earlier confirmed that the officers involved were identified and taken into custody for questioning as part of an investigation into allegations of extortion, intimidation, disobedience to lawful orders and other forms of unprofessional conduct.

The investigation was subsequently transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti for a comprehensive and impartial probe.

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

The video circulating online shows a confrontation between a police officer and the motorcyclist during a roadworthiness check. The rider appears to resist an alleged demand for ₦20,000, while text accompanying the footage alleges that the officer threatened him.

The police command condemned extortion, intimidation and abuse of authority, stressing that officers are not authorised to demand or collect money from members of the public while performing legitimate duties.

The authorities have yet to disclose the outcome of the investigation or specify the sanctions the officers may face.