PHOTOS: Nigerian police officers caught on camera taking bribe

Checkpoints are normally manned barriers where security checks are carried out on travellers. However, but corrupt officers within the police, across Nigeria, have bizarrely inverted the purpose of the checkpoints, where they now commonly extort money from travellers.

In two of such bizarre situations, CAMPUS REPORTER caught police officers on camera taking a bribe from motorists on Ijebu-Ode-Ibadan expressway, southwestern Nigeria.

One of them, Oyewole Afolabi, was caught on the road with his colleagues collecting N50 from the driver of a bus which had our correspondent on board.

The second officer, Eniola Olaiya was caught on camera at the entrance of Ibadan.

Speaking with CAMPUS REPORTER, the bus driver argued that if they (transporters) refuse to give the bribe, they will be delayed by the police officers. He disclosed what the commercial drivers charge passengers includes bribe given to police.

“If we don’t give them, they will delay us unnecessarily,” the driver said of a situation that appears normative to him. “In fact, we add police extortion fee to passengers transport fare. I can’t run from them because I follow this road every day.”

Nigerian motorists, market traders, and shopkeepers are disturbed daily by armed police officers who demand bribes and abuse their rights and privileges as Nigerians.

Prior to this time, in July 2017, the Nigeria Police announced the dismissal of four officers attached to the Ijebu-Ode Division of the Ogun State Command for extortion.

Also, three officers attached to Lagos State Police Command were also dismissed for extorting residents in the same month. The police said the dismissal was in line with the fight against corruption.

However, speaking with CAMPUS REPORTER, the head of Police Public Complaint Unit, Abayomi Shogunle requested the pictures of the officers caught be sent to his the unit for action.

“Forward the pictures and the details of the incident to me on WhatsApp for us to look into the case,” requested Mr Shogunle. “Thank you very much.”