The Nigeria Police Force has summoned several officers caught in a viral video extorting motorists in Benin City, Edo State, over Electronic Central Motor Registry (ECMR) documentation.
In the video that circulated widely on Monday, one of the officers was seen demanding either ₦5,000 or five litres of petrol from travellers who failed to present proof of ECMR registration. Despite the policy being suspended since July 2024, the officers insisted on enforcement.
One traveller, visibly frustrated, questioned the demand, asking, “You want 5k from each of us?” Another part of the clip captured an officer telling a motorist to “bring three litres of fuel,” sparking public outrage online.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, condemned the officers’ behaviour on Tuesday and confirmed they have been identified and summoned to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary action.
“This action is utterly condemned. The officers have been identified and summoned… We will not tolerate any act of indiscipline or unprofessionalism. We will update the public on our decisions as soon as possible,” Adejobi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Also reacting, Delta State Police Command spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright, expressed deep disappointment over the incident. “All these policemen bringing shame to us, one by one, they will be sent out of the organisation. Maybe when they become jobless, they will go into content creation. This is embarrassing,” he wrote.
The incident has reignited public concerns over police misconduct, particularly extortion at road checkpoints. Many Nigerians took to social media to criticize the recurring issue, calling for stricter reforms and accountability within the force.
The ECMR policy, which required motorists to register their vehicle details electronically, was suspended by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in July 2024 after widespread criticism. Nigerians had accused police officers of using it as a tool to harass and extort money from road users.
While the police have pledged to take action, civil rights groups are urging authorities to go beyond verbal condemnation and ensure erring officers face appropriate disciplinary measures.
As of press time, the names of the involved officers have not been officially released, but the Force Headquarters has promised to keep the public informed as investigations continue.
