Police Detain Officer After Viral Video of Alleged Extortion Attempt, Ethnic Remark

The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the detention of a police officer after a viral video showed him allegedly making an ethnic remark and attempting to extort a motorist during a routine vehicle inspection.

The video, which has attracted widespread reactions on social media, captured the officer inspecting a driver’s licence and other vehicle documents before allegedly withholding the licence after returning the remaining documents.

According to the footage, the motorist questioned why his driver’s licence had not been returned despite presenting valid documents.

The officer allegedly made a gesture suggesting he expected money before releasing the licence. He was also heard making a controversial ethnic remark, saying:

“If you were Igbo or someone else, I would have detained you.”

The motorist maintained that all his documents were complete and valid. The officer later claimed that the goods being transported did not have a waybill. However, the driver insisted that the items had already been inspected by the Nigeria Customs Service and that all applicable customs duties had been paid.

The incident triggered widespread condemnation online, with many Nigerians criticising the officer’s alleged conduct and calling for disciplinary action over both the suspected extortion attempt and the ethnic comment.

Reacting to the public outrage, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that the officer and members of the team involved had been identified and that disciplinary procedures had commenced.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed the development in a post on X, stating:

“Good Morning Esteemed, The Ondo State Police Command @OndoPoliceNg has identified the team and necessary action is ongoing. We say #NoToImpunity #CitizensAreTheBoss.”

The police spokesperson did not provide further details on the specific disciplinary measures being taken or whether the detained officer would face additional sanctions.

The development has been welcomed by many Nigerians, who have urged the police authorities to ensure a transparent investigation and hold any officer found culpable accountable, while reinforcing professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights during routine stop-and-search operations.