An upcoming Nigerian artiste, Efemena Richard, has accused police officers stationed at Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, of extorting N1 million from him.
According to Richard, the officers not only took the money but also made him sign papers and took photos of him.
The incident came to light when an X user, Harrison Gwamnishu, shared a video of Richard’s account on social media.
In the video, Richard explained how the officers stopped him on his way to catch a flight, demanded $10,000, and eventually forced him to transfer N1 million before allowing him to leave.
“Boss, the police just extorted me,” Richard messaged, adding, “They searched my phone and found nothing, yet they forced me to pay.” He shared that they detained him long enough that he almost missed his flight. He said, “They asked me to transfer N1 million before they let me go.”
Richard also recalled how the officers recorded him on video, making him speak and sign documents as if he was willingly cooperating. “I told my sister to send the money, even though it’s not a small amount,” he said, noting that he felt helpless and targeted as an innocent artiste.
In response to the social media outcry, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, called on Lagos Police Command PRO Benjamin Hundeyin and the Airport Command to begin an investigation into the incident. Adejobi’s tweet read, “#PoliceNG_CRU, #PoliceNG, contact #BenHundeyin and PRO Airport Command to fish out these men and revert please. Thanks.”
The investigation aims to identify the officers involved and verify the claims, with Nigerians closely watching for updates on the outcome.
