Police officers attached to the Ekiti State Command who featured in a viral video showing a confrontation with a motorcyclist have been moved to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary proceedings.
The Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) disclosed this in an update on Tuesday, saying the action was taken on the directive of Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu.
The update, posted on X under 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.”
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, concerning the alleged extortion and intimidation of one of its members.
According to the command, the complainant was allegedly stopped by a police patrol team while riding alone from Itapa to Ikole-Ekiti.
The association alleged that the officers demanded money from the rider under circumstances it considered improper, prompting the complaint against the personnel involved.
In a statement issued on October 7, the command said it had identified the officers allegedly involved in the incident and taken them into custody for questioning.
The investigation was initially focused on allegations of extortion, intimidation, disobedience to lawful orders and other acts of unprofessional conduct, according to the command.
Ekiti State Police Command also said the investigation had been transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti to ensure a comprehensive and impartial examination of the allegations.
Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State Command, Falade Micheal, subsequently directed that the officers be subjected to appropriate disciplinary procedures in accordance with police regulations, subject to the outcome of the investigation.
The command reiterated its opposition to conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the police.
“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 police officers are not authorised to demand or collect money from members of the public while performing legitimate police duties.
The viral video at the centre of the complaint shows a confrontation between a motorcyclist and a police officer during what appears to be a roadworthiness check.
In the footage, the rider appears to resist a 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.
However, the police have not confirmed the specific amount allegedly demanded beyond the allegations contained in the complaint, nor have they disclosed the final findings of the investigation.
