Police probe officers caught on hidden camera extorting Lagos dispatch rider

Images culled from the video | Officers of the Makinde Division HQ

The Lagos State Police Command has commenced an investigation into an alleged extortion involving a dispatch rider who claimed he paid ₦20,000 to police officers attached to the Makinde Divisional Headquarters.

The command disclosed this in a statement on Monday, following the circulation of a video of the incident on social media.

The police were unaware that the rider (unnamed) was with a hidden camera before the stop over and the extortion allegation, our correspondent reports from the video shared.

“The Lagos State Police Command is aware of the video and has commenced an investigation into the incident,” the statement read.

The command identified the officers involved as personnel attached to the Makinde Divisional Headquarters, adding that they had reported at its headquarters for questioning.

“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,” it said.

The dispatch rider, name unknown, reportedly alleged that the officers extorted ₦20,000 from him.

However, the command did not disclose details of the alleged transaction or independently confirmed the amount in its statement.

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It assured members of the public that the investigation would determine the appropriate action against any officer found culpable.

“The Command assures the public that the investigation is ongoing and appropriate action will be taken based on its findings,” the statement added.

The command did not state whether any of the officers had been arrested or disciplined as of Monday.

This recurring incident is happening barely weeks after a Lagos resident, Nasir Ahmed, accused three policemen of extorting him after allegedly stopping his vehicle on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and accusing him of driving against traffic.

Ahmed also told PUNCH Online on Saturday that he had to seek financial assistance from friends during the incident.

Tosin Oyediran is a journalist with Punch Newspapers, bringing over eight years of newsroom experience to his coverage of politics, health, advocacy, sports, and entertainment. Known for sharp interviews and human-centered reporting, his work focuses on public accountability, civic issues, and the stories shaping everyday lives.