Crime/Social Justice
Police launches disciplinary action against officer filmed extorting motorcyclist in Cross River
Written By: Ehioze Gilbert
04 Jan 2026 12:48 PM
Calabar, Cross River – The Nigerian Police Force has initiated disciplinary proceedings against a police officer and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) implicated in a viral video showing alleged extortion of a commercial motorcyclist in Cross River State.
The announcement came via the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) on X, formerly Twitter, sparking widespread public debate on police conduct and accountability.
The incident, captured in a 15-second video clip monitored by DAILY South Nigeria, depicts a police officer in camouflage fatigues apparently receiving banknotes.
The video, first shared by user @AsakyGRN and amplified by outlets like Sahara Reporters, highlights what many describe as routine extortion by law enforcement in remote areas.
In response, the CRU stated on X: "The Force high command has sent for the DPO and officer seen in this viral video to report to the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja for disciplinary actions accordingly. #NoToImpunity."
The video's circulation has reignited discussions on systemic issues within the Nigerian Police, including extortion at checkpoints, which has been a longstanding complaint among motorists and commercial operators in states like Cross River.
Similar incidents have made headlines in recent years, such as the 2023 dismissal of officers caught soliciting bribes from a Dutch tourist in Oyo State and a 2024 case involving five officers extorting N3 million in Cross River.
Advocacy groups and citizens have long called for reforms, including better training, body cameras, and stricter oversight to curb such abuses.
As of now, the identities of the officer and DPO remain undisclosed, and no timeline for the disciplinary process has been provided.
The CRU has encouraged citizens to report misconduct, emphasizing their 24/7 operations.
This case adds to growing pressure on the Nigerian Police Force to enhance transparency and rebuild public trust amid ongoing calls for comprehensive reform.
The announcement came via the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) on X, formerly Twitter, sparking widespread public debate on police conduct and accountability.
The incident, captured in a 15-second video clip monitored by DAILY South Nigeria, depicts a police officer in camouflage fatigues apparently receiving banknotes.
The video, first shared by user @AsakyGRN and amplified by outlets like Sahara Reporters, highlights what many describe as routine extortion by law enforcement in remote areas.
In response, the CRU stated on X: "The Force high command has sent for the DPO and officer seen in this viral video to report to the Police Force Headquarters, Abuja for disciplinary actions accordingly. #NoToImpunity."
The video's circulation has reignited discussions on systemic issues within the Nigerian Police, including extortion at checkpoints, which has been a longstanding complaint among motorists and commercial operators in states like Cross River.
Similar incidents have made headlines in recent years, such as the 2023 dismissal of officers caught soliciting bribes from a Dutch tourist in Oyo State and a 2024 case involving five officers extorting N3 million in Cross River.
Advocacy groups and citizens have long called for reforms, including better training, body cameras, and stricter oversight to curb such abuses.
As of now, the identities of the officer and DPO remain undisclosed, and no timeline for the disciplinary process has been provided.
The CRU has encouraged citizens to report misconduct, emphasizing their 24/7 operations.
This case adds to growing pressure on the Nigerian Police Force to enhance transparency and rebuild public trust amid ongoing calls for comprehensive reform.
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