By Adesakin Adefemi
The Nigeria Police Force has detained an officer accused of extorting ₦10,000 from a motorist in the Idimu area of Lagos State, after a dispute over the color listed on the driver’s vehicle registration documents escalated into alleged threats of arrest.
The action followed a viral video that circulated online on Tuesday night, in which the motorist said he was flagged down despite presenting complete vehicle papers, including a valid licence, insurance, and roadworthiness certificate. The officer, according to the driver, insisted the car was “grey” and not “ash” as captured in the registration, and used the discrepancy to demand payment.
In the footage, the motorist can be heard challenging the officer, stating that “ash” and “grey” are used interchangeably by vehicle licensing authorities and do not constitute an offence. The officer allegedly threatened to impound the vehicle and detain the driver before demanding ₦30,000 to “settle the matter” at the roadside.
The driver said he pleaded and the amount was negotiated down to ₦10,000, which he transferred via mobile banking. Screenshots of the transaction were later posted alongside the video by the X user @epiccycl, triggering widespread condemnation and calls for sanctions.
Reacting on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the police confirmed through its official X handle that the officer had been identified, arrested, detained, and issued a formal query. “The officer seen in the viral video as posted by #epiccycl has been identified, arrested, detained and queried,” the statement read.
The Force Public Relations Department added that the case has been referred to the Lagos State Police Command’s provost unit for orderly room trial, the internal disciplinary procedure for rank-and-file officers. It assured that the process would be transparent and that sanctions could range from dismissal to demotion, depending on findings.
“The #LagosPoliceNG will provide full outcome of the investigation as soon as possible,” the statement added, urging Nigerians to use verified complaint channels rather than resorting to physical confrontation with officers on duty.
The Lagos Command did not disclose the officer’s name or service number, citing ongoing investigation, but said the incident falls under extortion and conduct unbecoming of a police officer as defined in the Police Act and Regulations.
The Idimu extortion claim has renewed public criticism of routine checkpoints in Lagos, where motorists often complain of harassment over tinted glass, faded number plates, and now, color discrepancies. Civil society groups including the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre have urged the Inspector-General to mandate body-worn cameras and real-time digital receipts for all fines.
The police reiterated that citizens should report misconduct to the Complaint Response Unit via X @PoliceNG_CRU, WhatsApp, or dedicated phone lines, promising that all actionable complaints are tracked. It also warned officers that viral evidence will be used against erring personnel.
Meanwhile, the motorist involved told Punch that he wants a refund and a public apology, adding that he shared the video “so others won’t suffer the same thing.” The police said refund and restitution will be determined after the disciplinary hearing.
