The Lagos State Police Command has announced its decision to probe two police officers seen in a viral video demanding a bribe and permit from an individual operating a drone on the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.
In the video, a man cycling on the bridge was stopped by some police officers who interrogated him. The officers asked for the permit he obtained before using the drone on the bridge.
The cyclist said he had none and questioned when it became necessary to obtain a permit to fly a drone in Nigeria.
The officers told him that he was supposed to obtain a permit from Lekki Concession Company (LCC) or the police before using the drone.
After delaying him for over an hour, the officers were caught on camera requesting a bribe.
In a statement released, the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said that the police officers acted within the law to demand a permit.
‘’For emphasis, Nigerian aviation laws stipulate that a permit must be obtained from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for the operation of drones weighing more than 250 grams anywhere within the country,” Hundeyin said
He added that nonetheless, the Lagos State Police Command totally condemns the unprofessional conduct of the officers in attempting to extort the drone operator as can be seen in the concluding part of the video.
‘’The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, mni has, therefore, directed the Commanding Officer of 49 PMF Akodo, from whose squadron the police officers were duly posted to the bridge, to produce the men for appropriate disciplinary actions.” the statement read
