The Kwara State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into allegations of extortion by some of its officers reportedly operating along the Osi-Eruku highway in the Kwara South Senatorial District.
The directive was issued by the Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, following the emergence of a viral video on social media purportedly showing police officers engaging in acts of extortion from motorists along the busy inter-state route.
This was contained in an official statement released on Tuesday in Ilorin by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed that the video has drawn the attention of the command’s leadership.
“The Command is aware of a video footage circulating on social media alleging that police officers on duty were involved in an act of extortion along Osi-Eruku road in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State,” the statement read.
Command Orders Internal Investigation
According to the spokesperson, the Commissioner of Police has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident to identify the officers involved and determine the authenticity of the claims.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, has directed the monitoring and disciplinary units of the command to commence a discreet investigation into the matter,” Ejire-Adeyemi said. “Any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary action in line with the provisions of the law and the Police Code of Conduct.”
She reaffirmed that the Kwara Police Command maintains zero tolerance for corruption, extortion, and misconduct, warning that any personnel caught tarnishing the image of the Force would be dealt with decisively.
Background of the Allegation
The video, which surfaced earlier this week, shows uniformed officers allegedly demanding money from road users along the Osi-Eruku highway, a key route connecting parts of Kwara and Ekiti States. The footage quickly went viral, sparking public outrage and calls for accountability.
Civil society groups and motorists condemned the act, describing it as a recurring problem that undermines public trust in law enforcement agencies. Many social media users urged the Kwara State Police Command and the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters to take firm action against officers who exploit their positions for personal gain.
Police Reaffirm Commitment to Accountability
The Police Public Relations Officer noted that the current leadership under CP Adekimi Ojo remains committed to upholding professionalism and accountability within the command. She emphasized that the Commissioner has consistently warned officers against unprofessional behavior, especially acts that compromise citizens’ rights and the integrity of the Force.
“The Commissioner reiterates his commitment to restoring public confidence in the Police through transparency and discipline. He assures members of the public that the outcome of the investigation will be made known in due course,” the statement added.
The Command also appealed to residents and commuters to continue supporting the police by providing credible information and evidence to assist in identifying erring officers.
Public Reactions and Civil Society Response
The latest development has reignited discussions on police reform and the persistent issue of extortion at checkpoints across Nigeria. Advocacy groups, including the Rule of Law and Accountability Network (RLAN), have commended the prompt response of the Kwara Police Command but called for the investigation to be transparent and the findings made public.
RLAN’s Executive Director, Mrs. Tolulope Adesina, said in a statement that the incident underscores the need for stricter oversight and better welfare conditions for officers to reduce corruption temptations.
“We appreciate the quick reaction from CP Adekimi Ojo, but it’s important that this probe leads to real consequences. Nigerians are tired of routine investigations without accountability. Extortion along highways is a daily nightmare for travelers,” Adesina stated.
She added that the organization would be monitoring the situation closely to ensure justice is served and the officers involved are sanctioned according to police regulations.
Extortion on Nigerian Highways: A Persistent Problem
Highway extortion by security personnel has long been a challenge in many parts of Nigeria, despite repeated warnings from the Police hierarchy and federal authorities. Travelers often report being compelled to pay bribes at checkpoints, particularly in rural areas where oversight is limited.
Over the years, both the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) have introduced internal reforms, including disciplinary monitoring and body cameras, to curb misconduct. However, enforcement remains inconsistent.
Security analysts note that these incidents, if not addressed promptly and transparently, erode public trust and compromise the credibility of law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting citizens.
Kwara Command’s Ongoing Reforms
Under CP Adekimi Ojo’s leadership, the Kwara State Police Command has reportedly intensified internal monitoring and community engagement programs to rebuild trust between the police and residents.
In recent months, the command has introduced several initiatives to strengthen discipline among officers, including regular briefings, retraining sessions on ethics and public relations, and internal audits of operational activities.
“We are not relenting in our efforts to sanitize the system,” Ejire-Adeyemi reiterated. “Any officer caught engaging in acts capable of damaging the image of the Force will be decisively dealt with.”
Call for Public Cooperation
The Command urged members of the public to continue using official complaint channels to report any form of police misconduct. Ejire-Adeyemi emphasized that citizens can lodge complaints directly through the Police Public Relations Office, the Complaint Response Unit (CRU), or through verified social media platforms.
“The Kwara State Police Command remains committed to its duty of protecting lives and property. We encourage citizens to remain law-abiding and to report unprofessional behavior promptly for swift action,” she said.
Conclusion
The directive by Commissioner Adekimi Ojo to probe alleged extortion along the Osi-Eruku highway underscores the police command’s renewed effort to enforce discipline and integrity within its ranks.
As investigations progress, the Kwara State Police Command has assured the public of transparency and accountability in handling the matter. Observers believe the outcome of this case could serve as a critical test of the Force’s willingness to combat corruption from within and restore public confidence in law enforcement in the state.
For now, all eyes remain on Ilorin as residents await the results of the investigation and the disciplinary measures that may follow against any officers found guilty of misconduct.
