The Lagos State Police Command has commenced an investigation into an alleged extortion involving a dispatch rider who claimed that police officers attached to the Makinde Divisional Headquarters collected ₦20,000 from him.
The command disclosed this in a statement on Monday following the circulation of a video on social media showing the alleged incident.
In the video, the officers were seen stopping the dispatch rider and removing the key from his motorcycle. The rider, who reportedly had a hidden camera, alleged that the officers extorted ₦20,000 from him.
The identity of the rider was not disclosed.
The command, however, said it was aware of the video and had commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Lagos State Police Command is aware of the video and has commenced an investigation into the incident,” the statement said.
It added that the officers involved had reported at the command headquarters and were being questioned as part of the investigation.
“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 the transaction.
The command assured members of the public that appropriate action would be taken if any of the officers were found culpable.
“The Command assures the public that the investigation is ongoing and appropriate action will be taken based on its findings,” it stated.
As of Monday, the command had not disclosed whether the officers had been arrested or subjected to any disciplinary measures.
The incident comes weeks after a Lagos resident, Nasir Ahmed, accused three policemen of allegedly extorting him after stopping his vehicle on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and accusing him of driving against traffic.