The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and detention of an Assistant Superintendent of Police, identified as Samson E, over allegations of extortion during a stop-and-search operation in the Idimu area of Lagos.
The Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, confirmed the development, stating that disciplinary action has already commenced following the incident.
The case gained attention after a viral video showed the officer seated in the front passenger seat of a motorist’s vehicle while allegedly collecting and counting cash said to have been extorted from the driver.
According to the motorist, he was stopped by the officer who requested his vehicle documents, which were duly presented. However, the officer allegedly claimed inconsistencies in the vehicle colour description and threatened to impound the car, leading to further confrontation.
The driver claimed that after negotiations, the officer demanded N30,000, which was later reduced to N10,000. He said he eventually handed over the money, unaware he was being secretly recorded.
Following the incident, the Area Commander, Tokunbo Abaniwonda, reportedly ordered the officer’s arrest and transfer to the X-Squad unit for investigation.
The Lagos Police Command also confirmed the arrest in a statement on X, noting that the officer has been detained, queried, and that investigations are ongoing, with the outcome to be made public.
