Officer Dismissed From Nigeria Police Force After Viral Video Shows Use of Personal POS Machine to Extort 51,000 Naira From Civilian,
Officer Dismissed From Nigeria Police Force After Viral Video Shows Use of Personal POS Machine to Extort 51,000 Naira From Civilian
A police officer accused of extorting money from Nigerians using a personal Point of Sale machine has been discharged from service, according to statements attributed to police authorities this week. The dismissal follows the circulation of a video in which the officer was recorded allegedly compelling a civilian to transfer 51,000 naira to an account he controlled. The footage sparked public outrage online and renewed calls for accountability within the force.
In the video that went viral, the officer is seen during a stop-and-search operation reportedly demanding a transfer after detaining a young man. The victim was allegedly forced to make the payment via a POS machine the officer carried, rather than through official police procedures. Such conduct, if confirmed, violates Nigeria Police Force regulations which prohibit officers from using personal accounts or POS devices to collect money from the public during duties.
Police authorities stated that the officer was identified, subjected to an orderly room trial, and subsequently dismissed after the allegations were investigated internally. The Force Public Relations Office has in recent years warned against “transactional policing” and reiterated that bail is free, with no officer authorized to demand payment for such. The dismissal is being presented as part of ongoing efforts to curb misconduct and restore public trust.
Incidents of alleged extortion involving POS machines have been widely reported by Nigerians on social media over the last few years. Rights groups note that the practice thrives at checkpoints and during stop-and-search operations, with civilians often fearing detention or harm if they refuse to comply. The availability of portable POS devices has made instant transfers easier, creating new avenues for abuse when oversight is weak.
The case highlights the role of citizen recordings in triggering disciplinary action, but also underscores broader issues of training, supervision, and accountability. While the dismissal addresses one officer, public commentators argue that systemic change requires consistent enforcement of existing rules, body cameras, independent complaints channels, and protection for whistleblowers. For now, the video and the resulting discharge serve as a reminder that documentation and public pressure can lead to consequences. #facebookviral #fypã‚·゚ #fbreels #
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