A viral video showing multiple Nigerian police officers accepting N5,000 cash handouts from a Chinese national has ignited widespread condemnation, with citizens and activists labeling the act as “disgraceful” and emblematic of systemic corruption within the force. The footage, which surfaced on April 15, 2025, depicts uniformed officers lining up to receive the money, some smiling and expressing gratitude, while fully armed and on duty.
Public Reaction and Condemnation
Social media erupted with fury as Nigerians criticized the officers’ conduct, questioning their professionalism and integrity. Human rights activist Martins Victor Otse (aka VeryDarkBlackMan) described the incident as “degrading,” while former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore demanded the resignation of Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, calling the force a “national shame.” Online commentators like @victorioussegun lamented, “This is a national tragedy,” with others such as @RuleofLawNG highlighting how such acts damage Nigeria’s global image.
Police Response and Denials
The Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue an official statement, but Force PRO ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi claimed unawareness of the incident. Lagos State Police Command spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin clarified that the incident did not occur in Lagos, though the exact location remains unconfirmed.
Broader Implications
The incident has intensified calls for urgent reforms, including better welfare for officers to reduce vulnerability to bribes. Critics like @oawaleola noted, “Police don show me shege before…but better pay could curb this.” Meanwhile, demands for state policing and accountability grew louder, with users like @ayoakande urging President Tinubu to disband the current force.
Historical Context
This controversy follows previous scandals, including a 2023 video of officers begging a Spaniard for bribes and a March 2025 outcry over police demands for iPhones for forensic analysis. Such incidents underscore persistent issues of corruption and resource gaps plaguing the force.
Bottom Line: As debates over police integrity and systemic reform dominate national discourse, the viral video serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address corruption, improve welfare, and restore public trust in Nigeria’s law enforcement institutions.