The Lagos State Police Command has opened an investigation into allegations that some of its officers extorted ₦20,000 from a dispatch rider during a stop in the state.
The incident came to public attention after a video reportedly recorded with a hidden camera worn by the rider circulated on social media.
In a statement on Monday, the police said the officers seen in the footage were attached to the Makinde Divisional Headquarters and had been summoned for questioning.
The rider, whose identity was not disclosed, reportedly accused the officers of collecting ₦20,000 from him during the encounter.
However, the police have not confirmed that the alleged payment took place or independently established the amount said to have been collected.
“The Lagos State Police Command is aware of the video and has commenced an investigation into the incident,” the statement read.
The command said the officers had appeared at its headquarters as part of steps being taken to establish what happened.
“In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, the officers involved have reported at the Command Headquarters and are currently being interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation,” it said
Police authorities did not disclose the identities of the officers or state whether they had been arrested or subjected to disciplinary measures as of Monday.
The command said further decisions would be based on the outcome of the investigation.
“The Command assures the public that the investigation is ongoing and appropriate action will be taken based on its findings,” the statement added.
The development comes weeks after another Lagos resident, Nasir Ahmed, accused three police officers of extorting him following an encounter on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.
Ahmed had alleged that the officers stopped his vehicle and accused him of driving against traffic before the alleged extortion occurred.
The latest investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the dispatch rider’s encounter and determine whether any of the officers involved committed misconduct.
