IKOM, Nigeria — A major controversy has erupted in Cross River State after a popular social media commentator, MC Okrika, publicly accused police officers of assaulting a young farmer and extorting ₦150,000 from him after discovering a cigarette lighter in his bag.
The incident, which occurred at a police checkpoint in Ikom, has sparked widespread outrage across the state, prompting fresh demands for police accountability and an end to checkpoint extortion.
Checkpoint Search and Assault
According to MC Okrika, the young man was traveling to his farm in Ikom when he was stopped by police officers for a routine stop-and-search. The officers proceeded to search his bag, which contained standard farming implements and tools.
Tensions flared when the officers discovered a cigarette lighter inside the bag and allegedly labeled it a contraband or suspicious item. When the young farmer noticed the situation escalating and began recording the encounter with his mobile phone, the officers reportedly launched a physical assault on him to stop the recording.
Extortion at the Station
Following the physical altercation, the young man was arrested and transported to the local police station. MC Okrika further alleged that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the station actively participated in the misconduct, allegedly forcing the victim to pay ₦150,000 before allowing his release.
To validate the claims, MC Okrika shared a video showing the exact contents of the victim’s bag, highlighting the presence of clear farming items alongside the lighter, proving the youth’s identity as a legitimate laborer.
Calls for Accountability
The video has circulated rapidly across regional digital networks, drawing heavy criticism toward the Cross River State Police Command. Civil society organizations and youth leaders have condemned the arrest, pointing out that possessing a lighter is not a criminal offense under Nigerian law.
Activists are demanding that the Commissioner of Police investigate the checkpoint personnel and the unnamed Ikom DPO, ensure the immediate refund of the extorted ₦150,000, and discipline the officers involved for assault and professional misconduct.
