Police officers attached to the Ekiti State Command and captured in a viral video during a confrontation with a motorcyclist are undergoing disciplinary proceedings at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The Police Complaint Response Unit confirmed this in an update posted on X on Tuesday, October 13, saying the action…...
Police officers attached to the Ekiti State Command and captured in a viral video during a confrontation with a motorcyclist are undergoing disciplinary proceedings at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The Police Complaint Response Unit confirmed this in an update posted on X on Tuesday, October 13, saying the action followed a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The update, linked to complaint tracking number CRU100953, stated: “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 disciplinary process follows a complaint lodged with the Ekiti State Police Command on October 6 by representatives of the Biker Association, Federal University Oye-Ekiti chapter, over alleged extortion and intimidation of one of its members.
In a statement issued on October 7, the command said the motorcyclist was allegedly intercepted by a police patrol team while travelling alone from Itapa to Ikole-Ekiti and was asked to pay money under circumstances the complainants described as improper.
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The command subsequently identified the officers involved and detained them for questioning as part of an investigation into allegations of extortion, intimidation, disobedience to lawful orders and other forms of unprofessional conduct.
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The investigation was also transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti for a comprehensive and impartial probe.
The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, Falade Micheal, directed that the officers be subjected to appropriate disciplinary procedures in accordance with police regulations, pending 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 further stressed that officers were not authorised to demand or collect money from members of the public while performing legitimate police duties.
The viral footage shows a disagreement between the motorcyclist and a police officer during a roadworthiness check. The rider appears to resist a reported demand for ₦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.