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Nigerian Police Officer Under Fire After Telling Driver, ‘You’re Lucky You’re Not Igbo’ During Alleged Bribe Demand
ABUJA, Nigeria – A Nigerian police officer has come under heavy criticism after a viral video appeared to show him telling a motorist that he was “lucky” not to be Igbo while allegedly demanding a bribe during a routine stop.
The video, which has been widely shared across social media platforms, has sparked outrage among Nigerians, with many describing the officer’s remark as discriminatory and calling for disciplinary action.
According to footage circulating online, the officers stopped a driver at a checkpoint and requested to inspect his vehicle documents. After the motorist presented what appeared to be valid documents, the officers allegedly demanded a “settlement” a term commonly used in Nigeria to refer to an illicit cash payment to security personnel.
The driver reportedly refused to pay the requested bribe.
The situation escalated when one of the officers seized the driver’s licence. During the exchange, the officer allegedly stated:
“If you were Igbo, I would have detained you.”
The comment has triggered widespread condemnation, with critics arguing that it reflects ethnic profiling and deepens concerns over discrimination within Nigeria’s security agencies.
Aloy Ejimakor Demands Investigation
Human rights lawyer and activist Aloy Ejimakor, who serves as counsel to detained IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, reacted strongly to the incident.
In a post on social media, Ejimakor called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to immediately investigate the officer’s conduct, describing the statement as a possible hate crime.
He argued that the alleged ethnic remark went beyond misconduct and raised serious questions about bias in law enforcement.
According to him, Nigerians should not be subjected to discriminatory treatment based on their ethnic identity while interacting with security agencies.
Renewed Concerns Over Police Extortion
The incident has also reignited public debate over allegations of routine extortion at police checkpoints across the country.
Motorists have long complained about officers demanding unofficial payments despite drivers possessing valid vehicle documents. Anti-corruption advocates say such practices continue despite repeated reforms announced by the Nigeria Police Force.
Beyond the alleged demand for money, many Nigerians have expressed concern that the officer’s comments suggest some citizens may face different treatment because of their ethnicity.
Several social media users called on the Police Service Commission and the Nigeria Police Force to identify the officers involved and take appropriate disciplinary measures if the allegations are confirmed.
No Official Police Statement Yet
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Nigeria Police Force nor the Office of the Inspector General of Police had issued an official statement regarding the viral video.
It also remains unclear where and when the incident occurred.
The video continues to generate widespread reactions online, with civil society groups and members of the public urging authorities to investigate both the alleged extortion attempt and the officer’s ethnic remarks.
Should an official investigation be launched, it is expected to determine the authenticity of the footage, identify the officers involved, and establish whether any police regulations or criminal laws were violated.
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