Police to Sanction Officers Filmed Collecting Money from Chinese Nationals in Viral Video

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has commenced disciplinary actions against some Mobile Police (MOPOL) officers who were recorded taking money from Chinese nationals at a mining location in Sagamu, Ogun State.

The viral video, which was shared on social media, caused nationwide outrage and very serious concerns regarding professionalism and ethics within the force.

In the video, some officers in uniform were seen queuing up to receive ₦5,000 each from a Chinese citizen reported to be the owner of the mining field. The incident, described as “embarrassing” and “corrupt” by many, caused an outcry among civil society organizations and members of the public, and police authorities moved swiftly to react.

The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement made available on Wednesday, condemned the action. He stated that the officers’ conduct was “unprofessional and unethical” and against the basic human rights and operational ethos of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Nigeria Police Force strongly condemns the actions of the officers in the viral video,” Adejobi said. “This act is uncalled for and does not portray the values of the Force. Disciplinary actions have already commenced, and necessary sanctions will be meted out.

The officers involved have been identified and summoned for questioning. They are Deputy Superintendent of Police Aliyu Adejembi and his team from MOPOL 1, Kaduna, who were assigned as security escorts to the Chinese-owned mining firm.

Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has reportedly directed a thorough investigation and sanctioning of the officers, adding that any wrongdoing will be severely punished.

The integrity of the police has to be upheld at any expense,” the IGP said. “We will never accept any conduct that undermines public trust or betrays the professionalism demanded of our officers.”.

Some Nigerians were incensed by the event, and calls for broader reforms and greater accountability of officers deployed for private security assignments were demanded. Some citizens questioned the growing trend of police officers serving private business interests, especially in the extractive industries.

While there were some internal sources that claimed the money offered was a “token of appreciation” from the Chinese businessman, police authorities again asserted that police officers are not permitted to accept cash gifts under any circumstances.

“Conduct that has the potential to compromise the neutrality and integrity of our officers will not be tolerated,” the police statement said. “Members of the public and organizations using the services of the police should desist from conduct that degrades the force.”

The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to discipline, openness, and accountability to the public. It has promised the public that it will be informed of the outcome of the ongoing disciplinary actions and use the incident to reinforce internal moral standards.

With investigations underway, the incident is a reminder of the age-old problems of Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies—and the urgent need for institutional reform to restore public trust.