Outrage As Nigerian Police Officers Collect N5,000 From Chinese National

…Force PRO Says He’s Unaware of Incident

The internet has been set abuzz by a viral video showing Nigerian police officers allegedly collecting N5,000 from a Chinese man and his family.

In the video, obtained by Vanguard, the officers can be seen lined up as the Chinese national hands out money to them, reportedly as a “gift.”

The video has drawn widespread criticism, with many Nigerians expressing anger over the apparent act of misconduct by the officers, believed to be members of the 1 Police Mobile Force (MOPOL).

Reacting to the video, the Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said he was not aware of the incident. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the Provost of MOPOL 1 in Kaduna and the officer leading the team, DSP Aliyu Adejembi, to appear for questioning over the incident.

The Lagos State Police Command has also distanced itself from the incident. According to the Force PRO, the viral clip did not originate from Lagos State, contrary to some online claims.

Public figures have condemned the act. Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, described the video as shameful and embarrassing to the country. In a Facebook post, he said: “These are shameful acts by men of the MOPOL 1 of Nigeria Police Force in Kaduna. They’re reduced to nobodies because of greed and indiscipline. This is why I keep saying illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun must leave the police force and let fresh hands run the Nigeria Police Force. It is the shame of the nation. #EgbetokunMustGo.”

Human rights activist and social commentator, Martins Victor Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkBlackMan, also expressed his dismay, saying:

“This is the most disgraceful, disrespectful, degrading video I have ever seen of our police force. It is not just a slap to the Nigerian Police Force but also a slap to every Nigerian and Nigeria as a country. I weep for Nigeria. I am calling on the Inspector General of Police to explain the meaning of this distasteful video.”

The controversy has sparked fresh debates about corruption, ethics, and discipline within the Nigerian police force. Nigerians continue to demand accountability and thorough investigation into the matter.

VANGUARD