Ekiti police detain officer seen in viral drug influence video, deny extortion allegations

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested and detained a police officer captured in a viral video allegedly behaving under the influence of illicit drugs while in uniform.

The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, who said the officer has since been identified, taken into custody and subjected to internal disciplinary procedures.

According to the statement, the officer, a Police Sergeant serving at the Ikole-Ekiti Divisional Police Headquarters, was seen in a disturbing video circulating on social media, where he allegedly acted erratically while dressed in camouflage uniform.

“The Ekiti State Police Command has noticed a disturbing video circulating on social media where an officer in camouflage uniform was seen behaving erratically and suspected to be under the influence of illicit drugs,” the statement read.

“Upon noticing the video, the Command swung into action, identified the officer, arrested him and took him into custody.”

The Command added that the officer is now in stable condition and would undergo disciplinary procedures in line with police regulations.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Falade Adegoroye Micheal, also ordered that the officer be subjected to psychological and medical evaluation ahead of further disciplinary action.

The police authorities stressed that the conduct displayed in the viral video does not reflect the professional standards and discipline of the Nigeria Police Force.

While appealing to residents to remain calm, the Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and ensuring professionalism among its personnel.

Meanwhile, the Command has dismissed allegations circulating on social media claiming that officers at the Ikole Divisional Police Headquarters arrested and extorted residents for sharing the viral video.

The allegations had claimed that some individuals arrested in connection with the video were asked to pay between ₦20,000 and ₦200,000 as bail.

However, the police described the claims as false and misleading, stating that preliminary investigations showed that nobody was arrested or detained over sharing the video.

The Command further clarified that four suspects recently arrested by officers at the Ikole Division were apprehended in connection with alleged illicit drug sales, with exhibits reportedly recovered from them.

According to the statement, the suspects were duly investigated and subsequently charged to court.

The Commissioner of Police has nonetheless ordered a thorough investigation into the extortion allegations to uncover any underlying issues surrounding the claims.

The Command also urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it on social media, reiterating its commitment to professionalism, justice, rule of law and respect for citizens’ rights in the discharge of its duties.