A viral video has stirred public outrage after it captured a police officer extorting travellers by demanding either ₦5,000 or five litres of fuel for allegedly failing to present an Electronic Central Motor Registry (ECMR) certificate — a requirement currently suspended by the Nigeria Police Force.

The footage, shared on Sunday by an X.com user, Teniola (@Teeniiola), shows the encounter unfolding along the Benin Bypass. In the video, the officer can be seen confronting a group of travellers, insisting on sighting the ECMR certificate — despite a standing directive suspending its enforcement.

One of the travellers can be heard challenging the officer, asserting that the ECMR demand was illegal. The officer responded casually, saying, “You can make call now.” When the traveller refused to call anyone, asking instead, “What do you want us to do?” the policeman demanded five litres of fuel, adding, “We’ll go and buy it, that’s 5k.”

The video also captured the officer instructing another traveller to provide three litres of fuel, further reinforcing the perception that extortion has become systemic.

The incident quickly gained traction on social media, reviving widespread criticism of police misconduct and unlawful roadblocks despite multiple reform assurances by the police hierarchy.

It will be recalled that in July 2024, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, suspended the enforcement of ECMR registration nationwide after massive public backlash. Citizens had accused the police of using the exercise as a pretext to extort vehicle owners.

Reacting to the latest video, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Edafe Bright, condemned the officer’s actions in a post on X, saying:

“My God. Thanks for recording this. Little by little, all the moles will be taken out of the system. 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 and the force is on it.”

The Nigeria Police Force has yet to release an official statement identifying the officer involved or confirming any disciplinary steps.

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