The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into an alleged extortion incident involving a dispatch rider who claimed that police officers attached to the Makinde Divisional Headquarters collected ₦20,000 from him.
The investigation followed the circulation of a video on social media showing the officers stopping the rider and removing the key from his motorcycle.
The rider, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly had a hidden camera on him during the encounter, capturing the incident and the subsequent allegation of extortion.
In a statement on Monday, the command confirmed that it was aware of the video and had commenced an investigation.
“The Lagos State Police Command is aware of the video and has commenced an investigation into the incident,” the statement said.
The command identified the officers seen in the video as personnel attached to the Makinde Divisional Headquarters and disclosed that they had reported at the command headquarters for questioning.
It said the action followed a directive from the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai.
“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,” the statement added.
The police did not independently confirm the alleged ₦20,000 payment or provide details of how the money was allegedly demanded or collected.
The command, however, assured the public that the investigation would establish what transpired and determine appropriate action against any officer found culpable.
“The Command assures the public that the investigation is ongoing and appropriate action will be taken based on its findings,” it said.
As of Monday, the command had not disclosed whether any of the officers had been arrested, suspended or otherwise disciplined.
The incident comes weeks after a Lagos resident, Nasir Ahmed, accused three police officers of allegedly extorting him after stopping his vehicle on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and accusing him of driving against traffic.
Ahmed had alleged that he was forced to seek financial assistance from friends during the encounter.