Nigerian Police speak on officers involved in Benin bypass extortion

The Nigeria Police Force has taken swift disciplinary action against six officers caught in a viral video allegedly extorting motorists along the Benin bypass, Edo State.

In a post shared via its official X account, the Force confirmed that the implicated officers, including a Chief Superintendent of Police who supervised the unit, have been summoned to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where they were paraded before the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun.

The IGP reportedly expressed deep displeasure over the incident, describing the officers’ actions as “shameful, distasteful, and utterly unacceptable.” He immediately ordered the commencement of disciplinary proceedings against all six officers involved.

According to the statement, the officers have been formally queried, and orderly room trials have commenced for the Inspectors implicated in the extortion scandal.

The Force reiterated its unwavering commitment to professionalism, integrity, and accountability, stressing that such misconduct will not be tolerated under any guise.

This development follows an earlier reaction from Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, who, while responding to public outrage over the video, assured Nigerians that necessary action would be taken.

As disciplinary processes continue, the Nigeria Police Force has assured the public that appropriate sanctions will be enforced in accordance with internal procedures to serve as a deterrent to future misconduct.