Oyo Police Clarifies Alleged Extortion Claim Against Federal Highway Patrol Officers
The Oyo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into an alleged extortion claim involving two officers attached to the Federal Highway Patrol Unit in the state.
The investigation followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to the preliminary investigation, the incident occurred in September 2026 at about 11am along the Idiayunre-Ijebu-Ode Expressway when a commercial bus driver allegedly overtook a truck being stopped by officers of the Federal Highway Patrol Unit in a manner that nearly resulted in a serious road traffic accident.
The driver reportedly stopped abruptly after sighting a Safer Highway Patrol team ahead. An officer, ASP Oyetade Olayinka, who approached the vehicle to ascertain what had happened, requested the driver’s licence and relevant vehicle documents.
The driver, however, allegedly declined to produce the requested documents and subsequently contacted the Chairman of Onitsha Garage, identified as Mr BJ, who arrived at the scene with other members of the park leadership in a Toyota Sienna bus.
The arrival of the group reportedly increased activity at the scene, prompting officers of the Safer Highway and Federal Highway Patrol Units to work together to manage the situation, protect lives and property, and prevent disruption to traffic flow.
While the situation was being managed, the commercial bus driver began recording the incident with his mobile phone and made allegations against the police officers.
The Chairman of the park, after interacting with the parties and officers present, reportedly pleaded with the officers as efforts continued to resolve the matter.
The Police Command subsequently commenced a discreet investigation, during which the two officers involved were invited to the Police Headquarters, interviewed and made statements under caution.
The Command said the preliminary investigation did not establish evidence of extortion against the officers in connection with the incident.
To further clarify the circumstances surrounding the allegation, the leadership of Onitsha Garage, whose members were present at the scene, was also invited by the Command.
The park leadership reportedly undertook to assist the investigation by producing the commercial bus driver who made the allegation against the officers.
The Command said it is awaiting the driver’s appearance to enable him make a statement and provide further clarification on the circumstances surrounding his claim, while additional investigative steps are being taken to establish the full facts of the incident.
The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to professional policing, accountability and transparency, assuring members of the public that complaints against its personnel would be investigated objectively.
The Command also said it would continue to keep the public informed of verified developments arising from the investigation.