Police officers attached to the Ekiti State Command who were 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 disclosed this in an update posted on X on Tuesday, stating that the action followed a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.
According to the unit, the officers had been transferred to its office at the Force Headquarters to face disciplinary action over the incident, which sparked allegations of extortion and intimidation.
The update, linked to complaint tracking number CRU100953, read, “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 development followed a complaint submitted to the Ekiti State Police Command 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.
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 subjected to a demand for money under circumstances the complainants considered improper.
The command subsequently identified the officers involved and took them into custody for questioning as part of an investigation into allegations of extortion, intimidation, disobedience to lawful orders and other acts of unprofessional conduct.
It also disclosed that the investigation had been 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, subject to the outcome of the investigation.
The command condemned all forms of extortion, intimidation and abuse of authority, warning that such conduct could undermine public confidence in the police and bring the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.
It further stated that no police officer was authorised to demand or collect money from members of the public while performing legitimate police duties.
The viral footage showed a confrontation between a motorcyclist and a police officer over a roadworthiness check. The rider appeared to resist a demand for money reportedly put at ₦20,000, while the officer spoke to him beside his motorcycle.
Text accompanying the video also alleged that the officer threatened the rider during the encounter.
As of the time of filing this report, the police had not disclosed the outcome of the investigation or the specific sanctions the officers might face.
