Law Enforcement Official in Customs Parade Unit Filmed Demanding Bribe in Widely-Shared Footage

A disciplinary action has been taken by the Nigeria Customs Service against one of its officers after a viral video surfaced, allegedly showing the officer extorting a motorist, an incident that reportedly took place along the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

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The video, which was posted on the NCS X handle on Friday, captured the moment the officer, whose identity was not disclosed, was paraded and subsequently handed over to the Customs police unit for further investigation and disciplinary proceedings.

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The NCS has described the incident as a clear case of unprofessional conduct, reiterating its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct by personnel, as stated in a voice-over in the video, "Following the circulation of a viral video depicting unprofessional conduct by patrol officers, the Nigeria Customs Service initiated immediate disciplinary procedures in line with its zero-tolerance policy on misconduct."

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Controller of the Federal Operations Unit, Zone A, Lagos State, CSC Hussaini Abdullahi, addressed the matter during the parade, emphasizing that officers found culpable of violating ethical standards will be subjected to appropriate sanctions without compromise.

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Abdullahi handed over the implicated officer to the head of the Customs Police Unit, stating, "On behalf of the Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone A, Controller G.I. Aliu, I hereby hand over the officer to the Head of the Customs Police Unit in Zone A for further investigation and other necessary action."

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The viral video that prompted the action showed the officer demanding up to N200,000 from a motorist, who had secretly recorded the encounter using AI Meta glasses.

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In the recording, the officer, dressed in uniform, was seen engaging the driver over vehicle documents and past clearances while pressing for payment, claiming the motorist was liable for outstanding vehicle document payments dating back to 2018.

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The motorist responded that previous officers usually cleared such issues in Apapa, prompting the officer to tell him to report to the office to retrieve his key.

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When the motorist asked how the matter could be resolved, the officer replied, "Go and bring 200," suggesting a request for a N200,000 bribe, to which the motorist replied, "I kill somebody?" before walking away.

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It remains unclear whether any money was eventually paid before the vehicle was released, as the development comes amid recurring public complaints about Customs operations on highways, including incidents involving already-cleared goods.