The Lagos State Police Command has launched an investigation into a viral video alleging that officers of the Lagos State Task Force extorted money from motorists by fabricating traffic violations.
The video, which circulated widely on social media on Saturday, accuses task force officers led by CSP Adetayo Akerele of seizing vehicles and deliberately creating traffic offences in order to demand payments from drivers.
In the footage, a narrator claims that a task force officer allegedly took control of a driver’s vehicle and repositioned it on a one-way street to falsely suggest that the driver had committed a traffic violation.
According to the video, the officer then demanded money from the motorist to avoid having the vehicle impounded.
A male voice in the video claimed he paid ₦150,000 to secure the release of his vehicle, alleging that other motorists had also been forced to pay similar amounts to avoid further legal consequences.
Reacting to the development, the Lagos State Police Command acknowledged the viral video in a statement shared on its official X account on Sunday.
The command said the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, had directed a comprehensive and urgent investigation into the allegations.
“The attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to the video currently circulating online. The Commissioner of Police has ordered an immediate investigation into the matter,” the statement said.
The police also thanked members of the public for bringing the incident to its attention and assured that appropriate action would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
The latest allegation comes amid growing public complaints about the activities of the Lagos State Task Force.
Earlier in March 2026, several social media users and media platforms reported similar claims of aggressive enforcement tactics, including accusations that some officers allegedly directed motorists to make illegal manoeuvres before accusing them of traffic offences and demanding cash payments to release impounded vehicles.
Authorities say the ongoing investigation will determine the authenticity of the claims and whether disciplinary or legal action will be taken against any officers found culpable.