Force faces renewed scrutiny after viral checkpoint encounter raises allegations of attempted extortion, ethnic profiling and unprofessional conduct; rights advocates demand investigation.
Byline
By A1NEWS International Investigations Desk
Dateline
ABUJA, Nigeria — July 24, 2026
A Nigerian police officer has come under intense public scrutiny after a viral video appeared to show him telling a motorist that he was “lucky not to be Igbo” during a roadside encounter that has triggered allegations of attempted extortion, ethnic profiling and abuse of official authority.
The footage, which has circulated widely across social media platforms, reportedly captured a confrontation between police officers at a checkpoint and a Nigerian citizen who had recently returned from the United Kingdom.
The incident has reignited national conversations about police accountability, corruption at checkpoints and the dangers of ethnic profiling within law enforcement, with many Nigerians calling on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to conduct an independent investigation into the officer’s conduct.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement confirming the authenticity of the video or announcing disciplinary measures against the officer involved.
Checkpoint Encounter Captured on Video
According to the motorist, he was stopped at a police checkpoint despite committing no known traffic or criminal offence.
During the recorded exchange, the driver identified himself as both the owner of the vehicle and a recent returnee from the United Kingdom.
“I came from UK and I am the owner,” the motorist said.
The officer reportedly dismissed the statement, responding:
“Go and do better thing.”
The encounter appeared to become increasingly tense after the driver insisted he had no money to give the officer.
“I don’t have anything, Oga. If I have, I would have given you,” the motorist stated.
Ethnic Remark Triggers Public Backlash
The controversy intensified after the officer allegedly made remarks referencing the Igbo ethnic group.
According to the video, the officer said:
“I just want to see how you are going to behave. If you are another person, Igbo or others, I will just carry you go (to the station). If you don’t have anything, go and park.”
The statement has attracted widespread criticism, with commentators describing it as ethnic profiling inconsistent with the constitutional duty of security agencies to treat all Nigerians equally regardless of ethnicity.
Legal practitioners and civil society organisations have argued that if verified, such comments could undermine public confidence in policing and reinforce perceptions of discrimination within law enforcement.
Motorist Challenges Officer to Perform Official Duties
Rather than leaving immediately, the motorist demanded the return of his driver’s licence and questioned why he had been stopped.
“Then can I have my driving licence? Wetin I do na?” he asked.
Instead of identifying any alleged traffic violation or examining the vehicle’s documents, the officer repeatedly instructed him to leave the checkpoint.
The motorist insisted the officer had failed to perform routine policing responsibilities.
“You no check my documents. Do your job. I won’t give you anything.”
The video circulating online is also accompanied by claims that the officer threatened to slap the motorist during the confrontation.
A1NEWS International has not independently verified that allegation.
Questions Over Alleged Extortion
Although the officer is not seen explicitly demanding money in the publicly available footage, the motorist repeatedly alleged that he was expected to offer a bribe before being allowed to proceed.
The exchange has revived longstanding public concerns over alleged extortion at road checkpoints despite repeated directives from successive Inspectors-General of Police prohibiting officers from soliciting money from motorists.
Anti-corruption advocates argue that even the perception of unofficial financial demands erodes public trust in law enforcement institutions.
Social Media Users Condemn Alleged Ethnic Profiling
The video has generated widespread reactions across social media, with many users calling for disciplinary action.
One X user, Abiola Oshodi, wrote:
“If you were Igbo, I would have detained you.”
The user described the remark as:
“Tribal profiling and armed robbery in uniform.”
The post further questioned whether such conduct reflects official police training and urged the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the incident.
Several other commentators argued that policing should remain impartial and free from ethnic or regional bias.
Legal and Constitutional Concerns
Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees citizens equal protection under the law and prohibits discrimination based on ethnicity, place of origin, religion or other protected characteristics.
Security experts note that police officers are expected to exercise their powers professionally and objectively while respecting the fundamental rights of all citizens.
If authenticated, the officer’s comments could raise questions regarding compliance with:
- Constitutional protections against discrimination;
- The Nigeria Police Act;
- The Police Code of Conduct;
- Professional standards governing interactions with the public.
Legal analysts also stress that allegations of misconduct should be investigated through established disciplinary procedures while ensuring the officer concerned is accorded fair hearing.
Calls for Police Investigation
Human rights advocates and public policy analysts have urged the Nigeria Police Force to promptly establish:
- The identity of the officer involved;
- The location and circumstances of the encounter;
- Whether any extortion attempt occurred;
- Whether disciplinary or criminal sanctions are warranted if misconduct is established.
Observers say a transparent investigation would help reassure the public of the Force’s commitment to professionalism and accountability.
Broader Challenge of Police Reform
The viral incident comes amid ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to improve public confidence through reforms aimed at professionalism, accountability and community policing.
Despite repeated institutional reforms, reports of alleged extortion, excessive use of authority and misconduct at checkpoints continue to surface periodically across the country.
Security governance experts argue that sustainable reform requires consistent enforcement of disciplinary standards, enhanced ethics training, effective internal oversight and swift sanctions where misconduct is proven.
The viral checkpoint encounter has once again placed police conduct under national scrutiny, raising important questions about accountability, professionalism and equal treatment under the law.
While the authenticity of the video and the full circumstances surrounding the incident remain subject to official verification, the public reaction underscores growing expectations that allegations involving extortion or discriminatory conduct by security personnel should be investigated promptly and transparently.
The Nigeria Police Force is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any disciplinary action is warranted in accordance with applicable laws and internal regulations.
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