(DDM) – The Nigeria Police Force has arrested officers filmed counting large sums of cash allegedly extorted from motorists in Delta State.
DDM gathered that the viral video, which sparked nationwide outrage, captured the officers inside a police vehicle sorting wads of naira notes in broad daylight.
The incident reportedly occurred along a busy road in Delta State and has drawn sharp criticism from citizens who described the act as a disgrace to the police institution.
In the widely circulated footage, one officer is seen casually sitting inside a police van, separating and counting bundles of money believed to have been forcibly taken from road users.
The clip ignited intense reactions on social media, with Nigerians condemning what they called the deepening culture of extortion and misconduct within the force.
In a statement on Tuesday, police authorities confirmed the arrest of four officers linked to the scandal and announced that disciplinary measures had commenced.
“The policemen in the embarrassing video have been identified and arrested. They appeared before the CP today. Of the four personnel, two of them who are senior officers have been queried, while the two inspectors have been detained and are awaiting an orderly room trial,” the statement read.
The police further noted that the incident had dented the image of the force, but assured Nigerians that decisive action would be taken to uphold discipline and accountability.
According to sources, the arrested officers were paraded before the Delta State Commissioner of Police, where preliminary disciplinary procedures were initiated.
The two senior officers reportedly received formal queries, while the detained inspectors are set to face an orderly room trial, a police disciplinary process that could lead to dismissal, demotion, or other sanctions if found guilty.
Observers say the swift response by the police reflects increasing public pressure for accountability following a surge in citizen-generated videos exposing alleged misconduct by law enforcement officials.
Human rights advocates and civil society groups have also demanded thorough investigation and exemplary punishment, stressing that leniency could further erode public trust in the police.
Nigeria’s police force has faced recurring allegations of extortion, unlawful detention, and abuse of power, particularly at checkpoints across the country, despite past reforms and disciplinary campaigns.
Analysts believe this latest incident could serve as a litmus test for the leadership of the Delta State Police Command and the wider force on whether internal discipline will be applied without bias or compromise.
