Nigeria Viral Extortion Video: Customs Probes Officer Caught on Camera Extorting Motorist on Lagos-Benin Expressway; Parading Clip Surfaces
The Nigeria Customs Service is investigating an officer caught in a viral video allegedly extorting N200,000 from a motorist on the Lagos-Benin Expressway. The officer has been handed over to the Customs Police Unit for a full probe. Officials maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption to protect the agency's public image.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has initiated formal disciplinary proceedings against an officer allegedly captured in a viral video extorting a motorist on the Lagos-Benin Expressway. The Federal Operations Unit (FOU) confirmed the investigation on Saturday, May 9, following widespread social media outrage over the footage, which reportedly showed the officer demanding N 200,000 during a routine highway patrol.
Immediate Disciplinary Action Against the Officer
The investigation was triggered after secretly recorded footage of the encounter began circulating online. In response to the public outcry, the service moved quickly to identify the personnel involved. Nigeria ‘Rape Festival’: Women Stripped, S*xually Assaulted During Fertility Celebration in Delta State.
According to FOU spokesman Hussaini Abdullahi, the officer has already appeared before senior officials for an initial briefing. The proceedings were partially documented in footage shared via the service's official X (formerly Twitter) account to demonstrate transparency in the handling of the case.
Customs Police Take Over Investigation
Following the preliminary hearing, the officer was handed over to the Customs Police Unit for a comprehensive investigation. The unit is tasked with verifying the claims made in the video and determining the extent of the ethical breach "Following the circulation of a viral video depicting unprofessional conduct, the service immediately activated disciplinary procedures," Abdullahi stated. He emphasised that the service is committed to maintaining a strict code of conduct for all officers on field duty.
Viral Video Shows Customs Parading Officer Accused of Extorting Motorist
Nigeria Customs Parades officer Over Viral Extortion Video Along Lagos-Benin Expressway pic.twitter.com/owtSQ42Tsz
— NIGERIA CUSTOMS (@CustomsNG) May 8, 2026
Commitment to Ethical Standards
Representing Unit Controller Gambo Aliyu, Mr Abdullahi reiterated that the NCS maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding corruption and activities that jeopardise the organisation's reputation. "Officers found guilty of ethical breaches will face sanctions without compromise," Abdullahi said, adding that the service would never tolerate conduct that damages its public image. Meanwhile, a video going viral on social media shows the Customs parading the officer captured in the viral extortion video. The video was shared by the Nigeria Customs Service.
Context of Highway Patrols
The Lagos-Benin Expressway is a critical commercial artery in Nigeria, frequently patrolled by various security and customs units to curb smuggling. However, reports of harassment and extortion have occasionally surfaced, leading the NCS to implement more rigorous oversight and encourage the public to report unprofessional behaviour through official digital channels.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 10, 2026 06:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
