Police officer demoted after video of attempted extortion went viral

The Lagos State Police Command has announced the demotion of an officer who attempted to extort money from a drone operator in a viral video.

The video captured two security personnel demanding a permit from the drone operator on the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.

This incident sparked reactions from netizens questioning whether a permit was necessary for filming on the bridge.

Benjamin Hundeyin, the state Police Public Relations Officer, justified the officers’ actions but labeled the request for money as unprofessional. He confirmed to our correspondent on Saturday that the officer had been demoted from Inspector to Sergeant following disciplinary action.

“The disciplinary process has been concluded. He has been reduced in rank from Inspector to Sergeant,” Hundeyin stated.

Hundeyin also clarified in a statement that Nigerian aviation laws require a permit from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for operating drones weighing more than 250 grams anywhere in the country.