The Lagos State Police Command has demoted an officer following an attempt to extort money from a drone operator, an incident that was captured in a viral video.
The video, which circulated widely on social media, showed two security personnel demanding a permit from the unidentified drone operator on the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge. This led to widespread reactions from netizens, questioning whether a permit was necessary to film on the bridge.
In response, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, issued a statement justifying the officers’ actions but condemning the demand for money as unprofessional.
Speaking to our correspondent on Saturday, Hundeyin confirmed that disciplinary action had been taken. The officer involved was demoted from the rank of Inspector to Sergeant.
He said, “His disciplinary process has been concluded. He has been reduced in rank from Inspector to Sergeant.”
Hundeyin had in the statement clarified that Nigerian aviation laws stipulated the need to secure a permit before flying a drone.
The statement partly read, “In response to a now-viral video showing two police officers demanding a drone permit from a drone-operating individual on the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Lagos State Police Command wishes to clarify that the police officers acted within the ambit of the law to demand to see a permit.
“For emphasis, Nigerian aviation laws stipulate that a permit must be obtained from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for the operation of drones weighing more than 250 grams anywhere within the country.”
