Police summon officers captured in viral video extorting motorists

The footage revealed an officer demanding either ₦5,000 or five litres of fuel from motorists who couldn’t provide proof of Electronic Central Motor Registry (ECMR) registration—despite the suspension of ECMR enforcement since July 2024.

Condemning the act, Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed via X (formerly Twitter) that the officers involved had been identified and ordered to report to the Force Headquarters.

“This behaviour is unacceptable,” Adejobi stated.

“We won’t tolerate indiscipline or unprofessional conduct. Updates will be provided as investigations progress.”

In the video, one traveller questioned the officer’s demand, asking, “What do you want us to do?” The officer responded, “We’ll go and buy it—that’s ₦5k.” Another motorist was told to “bring three litres of fuel.”

The video has triggered public outrage and reignited concerns about police misconduct and corruption.

SP Edafe Bright, spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, also criticized the officers on X, stating, “One by one, officers bringing shame to the force will be removed. Maybe they’ll take up content creation. This is embarrassing.”

The enforcement of ECMR was previously suspended by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following widespread backlash from Nigerians who described the policy as a tool for extortion.