The Nigeria Police Force on Thursday said it would sanction its personnel captured in a viral video receiving money from a Chinese man, his wife and their child.
In the video, members of a Police Mobile Force (PMF) squad were standing in three lines as a Chinese national counted five N1,000 notes and handed to each officer. A woman believed to be his wife and the child also did the same. Another Chinese national was seen recording the scene.
The video, which went viral on various social media platforms, sparked public outrage and raised concerns over police conduct and public condemnation as many called for the officers to be sanctioned.
The officers, who are reportedly from MOPOL 1, were said to have been in Lagos on special duty with the Chinese nationals when the incident occurred.
Following the incident, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has ordered the Provost of 1 Police Mobile Force (MOPOL) in Kaduna and a team of riot policemen to appear at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja
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The invitation contained in a police wireless message dated April 15, 2025 reads: “Order and directives. Professional misconduct x discreditable conduct x eye respectfully convey INGENPOL directive x that you warn x release x Provost 1 PMF Kaduna X to come along with DSP Aliyu Adejembi X and team X to interview INGENPOL X through PRESS FOR X unfailingly x on Wednesday 16/04/2025 X at 0900HRS X eye repeat X on Wednesday 16/04/2025 X at 0900HRS X treat as very important please.”
Worried by the situation, Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, condemned the conduct of its officers, describing their actions as unprofessional and unethical.
He emphasised the commitment of the Force to upholding professionalism and maintaining public trust.
“The Nigeria Police Force has taken cognisance of a disturbing video making rounds in the media space, showing police officers receiving money from a Chinese national,” he stated.
“The Force has strongly condemned the conduct exhibited by the police officers in the video, describing it as unprofessional and unethical.
“The actions of the officers do not represent the established ethics, standards, and core values of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The officers captured in the video have been identified and subjected to disciplinary proceedings.”
PRESS RELEASE
VIRAL VIDEO: POLICE CONDEMNS UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT, ORDERS IMMEDIATE DISCIPLINARY ACTION.As Force Cautions Against Abuse of Police Services
The Nigeria Police Force has taken cognizance of a disturbing video making rounds in the media space, showing police… pic.twitter.com/Vd6trbyLug
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) April 17, 2025
Although he did not disclose the nature of the sanctions, Adejobi assured the public that justice would be served.
Adejobi Force warned individuals and organisations making use of police services, particularly escorts and guards.
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby cautions individuals and organisations privileged to the services of police personnel, particularly as escorts and guards or other specialised services, to desist from any act capable of degrading the integrity of its officers and bringing the Force to disrepute,” Adejobi warned