The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has initiated a formal inquiry into a viral incident involving officers stationed along the busy Lagos–Benin Expressway corridor near Ore, Ondo State, following public outcry over alleged extortion and harassment of commuters on Friday morning.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP directed the Commissioner of Police, Monitoring Unit, to immediately identify and detain the officers involved in the July 24 incident.
On Friday morning at approximately 9:30 AM, a commercial motorist travelling towards Benin City recorded a heated altercation with patrol officers who allegedly demanded unauthorized payments before allowing vehicles to proceed.
Footage circulating on social media showed officers attached to the tactical team detaining commuters along the highway, sparking widespread condemnation from civil society groups and transport unions.
IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu reaffirmed the Force’s zero-tolerance policy against corruption, ordering the Ondo and Edo State Commands to cooperate fully with investigators.
”The Inspector-General of Police has assured the public that any officer found guilty of misconduct, extortion, or abuse of power will face severe disciplinary actions in line with internal police regulations and the laws of the land,” stated ACP Adejobi.
The NPF Monitoring Unit is expected to submit its preliminary findings within 7 days. Passengers and motorists who witnessed the event or have additional evidence have been urged to contact the police complaint response unit.
