BRIBE SEEKING POLICE OFFICER ARRESTED IN LAGOS (2)

A police officer, identified as Sgt Onuh Makedomu, was seen demanding and accepting bribe in a video which has gone viral on social media. He was caught demanding the sum of N15,000 from a motorist, then lying to his superiors that he only collected N5000. In the four minute video, Makedomu is seated beside the driver on the passenger’s seat, discussing the conditions of the bribe. He wore a police uniform, and held a rifle during the incident. Makedomu: "This one, it is a secret I am trying to tell you, you will bring N10,000 out of this money, give to that guy. You hear me? For there, you go tell them say na N5,000 you give me.” The motorist quickly counted N10,000 from a wad of N1,000 notes, and handed it to Makedomu, who placed a call to his superior, pleading on behalf of the motorist. In the phone conversation he lied that the motorist gave him N5,000. Makedomu: “How we go do for this guy, e no even get money!” According to the Police Force, Makedomu is now languishing in a cell, awaiting trial. This was revealed in a statement by Frank Mbah, the spokesperson for the Police Force Headquarters, Frank Mbah: " The police officer caught on video collecting bribe from an innocent Nigerian has been identified and arrested. The non commissioned officer, Force N0 431625, Sgt Onuh Makedomu, attached to 49 PMF, but presently on special duty with the Safer Highways Patrol, Lagos is currently undergoing Orderly trial on a two-count charge of Discreditable Conduct and corrupt practices at the Provost Department of the Lagos State Police Command.” In the statement, the motorist was described as a good citizen who courageously exposed the inglorious act of the officer. He was invited to meet with the police public relations officer, Lagos State Command, to retrieve the money. Frank Mbah: "Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police has enjoined the good citizen, who courageously brought the inglorious act of the officer to the public domain, to meet with the Public Relations Officer, Lagos State command, to recover the money extorted from him by the delinquent officer, " Unfortunately, it is very common for police officers to forcefully demand money from motorists, commercial bikers and commuters alike in Nigeria. Public Affairs analyst Isima Nsikak condemned the act of Police officers collecting bribe from innocent citizens, describing it as police culture. Isima Nsikak: "It's now part of police culture to become a nuisance on the roads and to beg shamelessly. The police is really no one's friend." Previous police bosses have made promises to stamp out corruption within the rank and file. However, Nigeria's police officers, who are subtly encouraged by equally corrupt bosses, remain poster boys for corruption, harassment and extra judicial killings among the populace. Have you ever had a crazy police encounter?