Firdaus Obiremi
The Ekiti State Police Command has detained some of its officers following allegations of extortion, intimidation and unprofessional conduct during a stop-and-search operation involving a biker affiliated with the Federal University Oye-Ekiti.
The development followed the circulation of a video on social media showing an encounter between the biker and a police patrol team, which triggered public outrage and calls for an investigation into the conduct of the officers.
The command, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abutu Sunday, said it commenced investigation after receiving a formal complaint from representatives of the Biker Association, Federal University Oye-Ekiti Chapter.
According to the statement, the complaint was lodged at the Ilupeju Police Division on October 6, 2026, concerning an alleged incident involving one of the association’s members.
The biker was reportedly travelling alone from Itapa to Ikole-Ekiti when he was intercepted by a police patrol team.
The complainants alleged that the officers demanded money from the biker under circumstances they considered improper, while also accusing the personnel of intimidation, disobedience to lawful orders and other acts of misconduct.
The command said it immediately commenced preliminary inquiries and subsequently identified and detained the officers involved for questioning.
It added that the matter had been transferred to the State Police Headquarters in Ado-Ekiti for a discreet, comprehensive and impartial investigation.
“The circumstances surrounding the alleged extortion, intimidation and other acts of unprofessional conduct are being thoroughly investigated,” the command stated.
The Commissioner of Police, Falade Adegoroye Micheal, was said to have directed that the officers be subjected to appropriate disciplinary procedures in accordance with the regulations and disciplinary provisions of the Nigeria Police Force, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
The command stressed that no police officer was authorised to demand or collect money from members of the public under any guise while performing legitimate police duties.
It condemned extortion, intimidation, abuse of authority and other forms of misconduct capable of eroding public confidence in the police.
The police authorities said officers found culpable of abuse of office, misconduct or violation of established regulations would face appropriate sanctions.
The command also appealed to members of the public to report cases of alleged police misconduct through established channels, assuring residents that credible complaints would be investigated.
The police said the latest investigation was part of the command’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for citizens’ fundamental rights.
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