Lagos, Nigeria – January 23, 2025 – Nigerian activist Omoyele Sowore has been summoned by the police for questioning following the release of a viral video documenting alleged police extortion at a checkpoint near the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The video, which has garnered significant attention on social media platforms like ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) with nearly 917,000 views and over 2.9 million views on TikTok, depicts officers allegedly demanding bribes from motorists. The footage also captures Sowore confronting the officers for obstructing traffic.
Despite his protests, Sowore’s vehicle was reportedly blocked by the officers. Following a tense exchange, Sowore was eventually allowed to proceed, but not before an officer reportedly uttered a curse.
Sowore confirmed the police summons on Thursday, stating that a senior police officer from Abuja had contacted him for questioning regarding the incident. He emphasized that while the summons has been issued, no formal charges have been filed.
Sources within the police force suggest that the investigation was initiated following directives from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, upon the advice of Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi.
This incident has sparked public discourse on police misconduct and the issue of extortion in Nigeria.
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