The Lagos State Police Command has demoted an Inspector to the rank of Sergeant following an incident in which the officer attempted to extort money from a drone operator.
This disciplinary action, confirmed by the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, on Saturday, addressed the misconduct of the officer caught on video demanding bribes from the drone operator.
The controversy erupted on April 6, 2024, when a video went viral showing two police officers on the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge demanding to see a permit from a drone operator who posts on social media as authentic_cyclist.
The footage, which sparked outrage, depicted the officers questioning the operator and subsequently attempting to extract a bribe.
The cyclist, who was also operating the drone, was delayed for over an hour before the officers were seen asking for money.
In the video, one of the officers is heard saying, “That your pocket is full. Give us something for our own pocket. As you see us working on this bridge, we are looking for our own pocket, too,” illustrating the officers’ unethical behaviour.
Hundeyin while addressing the situation, clarified the legal framework surrounding drone operations.
“For emphasis, Nigerian aviation laws stipulate that a permit must be obtained from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for the operation of drones weighing more than 250 grams anywhere within the country,” Hundeyin explained.
Despite the legal basis for requiring permits, Hundeyin condemned the officers’ conduct.
“The Lagos State Police Command totally condemns the unprofessional conduct of the officers in attempting to extort the drone operator as can be seen in the concluding part of the video,” he stated.
The cyclist, who has been documenting his travels and experiences across various West African cities, including Nigeria and Ghana, reported that the officers not only attempted to extort him but also mishandled his drone, causing significant damage.
The incident, which was part of a broader pattern of alleged misconduct by some officers, fueled calls for greater accountability and transparency within the police force.
Reacting at the time, Hundeyin said, “For emphasis, Nigerian aviation laws stipulate that a permit must be obtained from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for the operation of drones weighing more than 250 grams anywhere within the country.
“Nonetheless, the Police Command in Lagos totally condemns the unprofessional conduct of the officers in attempting to extort the drone operator as can be seen in the concluding part of the video.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has directed the Commanding Officer of 49 PMF Akodo, from whose squadron the police officers were duly posted to the bridge, to produce the men for appropriate disciplinary actions.”
