IDIMU – The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained an officer from the Area M Command after a viral video surfaced showing him allegedly extorting ₦10,000 from a motorist over the colour of his vehicle.
The incident, which trended across social media on Monday, involved a driver who was accosted in the Idimu area of the state despite reportedly having valid vehicle documents.
The “Ash vs Grey” Dispute
According to the motorist and the footage captured at the scene, the officer stopped the vehicle and insisted that the car was “grey,” whereas the official registration papers listed the colour as “ash.”
The victim alleged that the officer initially demanded a ₦30,000 bribe to let him go, eventually settling for ₦10,000. The viral video clearly showed the officer counting the cash inside a vehicle, sparking widespread condemnation from Nigerians calling for an end to road harassment.
Official Investigation
Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed on Tuesday that the officer has been identified and taken into custody. The officer is currently facing a disciplinary query as part of the internal investigation.
The Command reiterated its “zero tolerance” policy for extortion and professional misconduct, assuring the public that the officer would face the full weight of police regulations if found guilty.
Public Outrage
This latest arrest comes amid mounting pressure on the Nigerian Police Force to clean up its ranks following repeated reports of “stop and search” abuses. Authorities have urged citizens to continue filming and reporting such encounters to the Police Complaint Response Unit (PCRU) to ensure accountability.
