Policeman Caught Demanding N5,000 or Fuel from Motorists over Suspended ECMR Policy

A video circulating online shows a police officer demanding either N5,000 or five liters of fuel from a traveler who could not produce proof of Electronic Central Motor Registry (ECMR) registration.

In the footage, the officer is seen confronting a group of travelers along the Benin Bypass, insisting that they present their ECMR documents.

Now, here’s where it stings: back in 2024, IGP Kayode Egbetokun officially suspended the ECMR enforcement after the outcry was deafening.  Many Nigerians had accused the police of using the policy as a means to extort vehicle owners.

One traveler in the video tries to inform the officer that the ECMR enforcement has been suspended and is therefore unlawful. However, the officer remains unyielding and tells them, “You can make call now,” implying they should report the matter if they wish.

When the group asks the officer what he wants from them, he bluntly demands five liters of fuel, adding, “We’ll go and buy it, that’s 5k.” This exchange highlights ongoing concerns about police officers exploiting policies for personal gain despite official suspensions.

 Nigerians were up in arms, calling out

“You want 5k from each of us abi?” one of the travellers asked

Reacting to the video, spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Edafe Bright condemned the officer’s conduct in a post on X.

“My God. Thanks for recording this. Little by little, all the moles will be taken out of the system. All these Policemen bringing shame to us, one by one, they will be sent out of the organisation. Maybe when they become jobless, they will go into content creation. This is embarrassing and the force is on it.”