a viral video circulating across social media platforms has sparked widespread outrage after a police officer was filmed demanding N5,000 or five liters of fuel from travelers on the Benin Bypass for not possessing the Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) document. This incident, which has reignited debates about police extortion in Nigeria, comes despite the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s explicit suspension of the e-CMR enforcement, raising serious questions about compliance within the Nigeria Police Force and the persistent issue of roadside extortion.
The Viral Video: A Disturbing Encounter
The video, which surfaced on platforms like X and has since garnered thousands of views, captures a police officer, reportedly donning a camouflage uniform, engaging with motorists along the busy Benin Bypass in Edo State. In the footage, the officer is seen insisting that travelers produce the e-CMR, a digital vehicle registration and ownership verification system introduced by the Nigeria Police Force to enhance transparency and combat vehicle-related crimes. When the travelers, who appear to be a group of road users, explain that they were unaware of the requirement or cite the IGP’s suspension of its enforcement, the officer allegedly demands a payment of N5,000 or, bizarrely, five liters of fuel as “fuel money” to allow them to proceed.
The interaction, recorded by an unidentified individual, paints a troubling picture of what many Nigerians describe as a pervasive culture of extortion on the nation’s highways. The officer’s casual demeanor while making the demand, as seen in the video, has only amplified public frustration, with netizens labeling the act as blatant corruption and a direct violation of the IGP’s directive.
The e-CMR: A System Meant to Modernize Policing
The Electronic Central Motor Registry (e-CMR) was launched by the Nigeria Police Force as part of its efforts to digitize and streamline vehicle registration processes. The system aims to create a centralized database for vehicle ownership, enabling law enforcement to verify details in real-time, curb vehicle theft, and enhance road safety. According to the police, the e-CMR is designed to replace the manual CMR system, which was prone to fraud and inefficiencies. The initiative was initially rolled out with fanfare, with promises that it would reduce bureaucratic hurdles for motorists and improve the efficiency of policing.
However, the implementation of the e-CMR has been fraught with controversy. Motorists and transport unions have criticized the system, citing high costs, lack of public awareness, and logistical challenges in obtaining the digital certificate. In response to these concerns, the IGP announced a temporary suspension of e-CMR enforcement in early 2025, directing officers to refrain from penalizing drivers for non-compliance while the police addressed public grievances and refined the system’s rollout. The suspension was widely publicized, making the officer’s actions in the viral video particularly egregious.
Public Outrage and Reactions on X
The video’s rapid spread on X has fueled a firestorm of reactions, with users condemning the officer’s conduct and calling for accountability. One user,
@RoadUserNG
, posted, “This is why Nigerians don’t trust the police. The IGP said e-CMR is suspended, yet officers are out here extorting people for it. N5,000 or fuel? This is pure robbery!” Another user,
@Justice4All
, shared the video with the caption, “Benin Bypass has become a hotspot for police extortion. The IGP needs to act fast before this escalates further.” These sentiments reflect a broader frustration with systemic issues within the Nigeria Police Force, where allegations of bribery and abuse of power are not uncommon.
The Delta State Police Command, under whose jurisdiction the Benin Bypass falls, has acknowledged the video. The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, issued a brief statement on X, assuring the public that the matter is under investigation. However, no specific details were provided regarding the officer’s identity, whether disciplinary action has been initiated, or how the police intend to address similar incidents. This lack of transparency has only deepened public skepticism, with many demanding swift justice and systemic reforms to curb roadside extortion.
Police Extortion in Nigeria
The incident on the Benin Bypass is not an isolated case. For years, Nigerian motorists have reported harassment and extortion by police officers at checkpoints across the country. These checkpoints, often set up under the guise of security or vehicle inspections, have become notorious for informal “tolls” demanded by officers. Common excuses include missing documents, minor traffic infractions, or, as in this case, non-compliance with suspended regulations. The sums demanded—ranging from a few hundred naira to thousands—add up to a significant financial burden for drivers, particularly commercial transporters and low-income travelers.
The Nigeria Police Force has made efforts to address these issues, including public campaigns against corruption and the establishment of complaint hotlines. In 2020, the IGP disbanded the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) following nationwide #EndSARS protests against police brutality and extortion. However, incidents like the one on the Benin Bypass suggest that old habits persist, undermining public trust in law enforcement.
What Happens Next?
The viral video has placed significant pressure on the Nigeria Police Force to act decisively. Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the officer in question will face consequences and whether the incident will prompt broader reforms. The IGP’s office has yet to issue a detailed response to the video, but the public outcry may force a more robust statement or action in the coming days.
For now, the Delta State Police Command’s investigation is ongoing, but many are skeptical about the outcome, given the history of similar cases being downplayed or unresolved. Civil society groups and transport unions have called for the installation of body cameras for officers and stricter oversight of checkpoints to prevent such abuses. Others have urged the police to improve public communication about policies like the e-CMR to avoid confusion and exploitation.
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