By John Ogunsemore
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun on Tuesday verbally reprimanded six police officers, including a Chief Superintendent of Police, and men caught on video extorting travellers along the Benin Bypass.
The officers were also queried while the inspectors were subjected to orderly room trial.
Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday night.
A video that circulated on social media over the weekend shows a police officer demanding either ₦5,000 or five litres of fuel from motorists who failed to present proof of the Electronic Central Motor Registry (ECMR).
The policeman, who was part of a team, turned a deaf ear even when a traveller informed him that the IGP had suspended the enforcement of ECMR registration for vehicle owners since July 2024.
The incident drew criticism on social media, with many Nigerians asking the police authorities to fish out and discipline the policemen involved.
Providing an update, Adejobi said, “Following the circulation of a viral video showing acts of extortion by police officers along the Benin bypass, the Nigeria Police Force, in line with its zero-tolerance policy on extortion and unprofessional conduct, has taken immediate action.
“Upon their arrival at the Force Headquarters, the six erring officers, including their supervising officer, a Chief Superintendent of Police, were marched in to appear before the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun Ph.D, NPM, who condemned their actions as shameful, distasteful, and utterly unacceptable.
“He further ordered the immediate commencement of disciplinary procedures against all six officers involved.
“Accordingly, the officers have been queried, while orderly room trials for the Inspectors implicated in the video have commenced.”
Adejobi said this reiterates the police force’s commitment to upholding professionalism, integrity and accountability.
“The public is assured that such misconduct will not be tolerated under any guise, and appropriate sanctions will be meted out in line with established disciplinary procedures,” he added.