The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate appearance of a team of mobile police officers caught in a viral video collecting cash from Chinese nationals in Lagos.
The officers, led by DSP Aliyu Adejembi of the 1 Police Mobile Force (MOPOL) in Kaduna, have been summoned to appear before the IGP in Abuja on Tuesday, April 16, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., for questioning over their involvement in what many Nigerians are calling an embarrassing and unprofessional display of police conduct.
According to police sources, the officers were reportedly assigned to a special duty escort assignment for Chinese businesspeople operating in Lagos State when the incident occurred. The video, which surfaced online over the weekend, shows uniformed MOPOL officers lined up to receive cash handouts directly from the Chinese nationals.
The footage, widely circulated on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, has triggered outrage across the country, with many citizens calling for immediate disciplinary action and reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.
In the video, the officers, some visibly armed and in full uniform, are seen collecting what appear to be envelopes or cash from the Chinese individuals, who seemed to be handing over the money with little concern for secrecy. The casual nature of the exchange has raised serious questions about the integrity of officers assigned to protect foreign nationals and public property.
The video drew sharp criticism from civil society groups, human rights activists, and the general public, many of whom view the scene as a clear act of bribery and abuse of office.
“This is yet another embarrassing example of why many Nigerians have lost trust in the police. Officers meant to protect lives and enforce the law are instead collecting handouts like civil servants collecting Christmas bonuses,” said Emmanuel Okoro, a Lagos-based legal practitioner.
Responding swiftly, the Inspector General of Police issued a wireless signal summoning DSP Aliyu Adejembi and all officers involved in the video to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The IGP is expected to conduct a formal interview and possibly initiate internal disciplinary proceedings.
A senior police official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the summons and said the Force leadership is treating the matter with “utmost seriousness.”
“The IGP is not happy. This is not the image the Nigeria Police wants to project. No officer, regardless of rank, will be allowed to bring disgrace to the Force,” the official said.
This latest scandal has reignited long-standing concerns over corruption, extortion, and misconduct within the Nigerian Police Force. While top police officials have made repeated promises to improve accountability and professionalism among officers, many citizens argue that not enough has changed.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed several high-profile incidents involving police officers caught on camera engaging in questionable practices — from extorting motorists at checkpoints to assaulting civilians.
Activists are now demanding not only disciplinary action against the MOPOL officers involved in this incident but also broader systemic reforms.
“This incident is a symptom of a larger disease. We need urgent police reform, including better training, improved welfare for officers, and strict enforcement of disciplinary measures,” said Hauwa Liman, a human rights campaigner based in Abuja.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue an official public statement regarding the incident or the status of the summoned officers. However, public pressure is mounting, and observers expect the Force to address the matter publicly in the coming days.
The police’s silence, some argue, reflects a troubling pattern of delayed response when it comes to internal misconduct — an issue critics say continues to undermine public confidence in law enforcement.
Police officers attached to special duty assignments — including those guarding VIPs, businesspeople, and foreign nationals — are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism. These officers often serve as the public face of Nigerian law enforcement in interactions with the international community.
However, this incident has once again brought to light concerns that such special duty assignments are poorly regulated and prone to abuse, with officers allegedly soliciting or accepting financial “appreciation” from those they are assigned to protect.
While the law does not forbid officers from receiving gifts outright, the Nigerian Police Code of Conduct strictly prohibits officers from demanding or accepting any form of gratification that may compromise their integrity or duty.
The outcome of the case is expected to set a precedent for how the Nigeria Police Force handles similar incidents moving forward.
Across social media, reactions to the video and the IGP’s swift response have been mixed. While some citizens praised the IGP for acting quickly, others questioned whether real consequences would follow or whether the incident would be quietly swept under the rug.
“Summoning them is not enough. We want to see officers punished when they go against the law. That’s the only way the police can earn back our trust,” said a user on X.
Others pointed out the need to improve officers’ salaries and working conditions, arguing that poor welfare creates room for unethical behaviour.
“No excuses, but we must ask why officers are so quick to collect money. Is it greed or survival?” asked another user.
