Police Spokesperson Condemns Officer's Demand for Money from German Traveler in Viral Video
The spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, has issued a strong reaction to a widely circulated video depicting a police officer soliciting money from a German national named Clement during a checkpoint encounter. The incident, which has sparked significant public discourse, occurred as Clement was undertaking an overland journey to South Africa, passing through multiple Nigerian checkpoints.
Contrasting Encounters at Security Checkpoints
In the video documentation shared by the traveler, Clement highlighted the generally positive interactions he had with numerous police officers along his route. Many officers greeted him cordially, wished him well on his journey, and even offered prayers for his safe passage, demonstrating a professional and hospitable demeanor. However, this pattern was abruptly broken at one particular checkpoint where an officer deviated from protocol.
The officer in question was recorded explicitly asking Clement for monetary compensation, stating, 'Give me dollars. We want to buy fuel. You are to give us money. We are providing service, safety on the road.' This direct solicitation occurred despite the officer's statutory salary, a point Clement immediately countered by reminding him that government remuneration should preclude such requests.
Official Police Response and Condemnation
Reacting to the viral footage, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin publicly addressed the incident. He commended the majority of the officers Clement encountered for their adherence to professional standards and for not engaging in solicitation. Hundeyin emphasized that their conduct reflected the expected integrity of the force.
In a pointed critique of the offending officer, Hundeyin remarked that there will always be one Judas who will misrepresent a group, drawing a biblical analogy to underscore how a single individual's actions can tarnish the reputation of the entire institution. This statement serves as both a condemnation of the specific act and an acknowledgment of the ongoing challenges in eradicating misconduct within the ranks.
The video, which originally appeared on the Instagram platform via the Linda Ikeji blog on February 19, 2026, continues to circulate, prompting discussions about police accountability, corruption at checkpoints, and the broader implications for public trust in law enforcement agencies. The Nigeria Police Force's response through its spokesperson indicates an awareness of the reputational damage caused by such incidents and a desire to distance the institution from the actions of a rogue officer.
