OYO POLICE COMMAND CLARIFIES ALLEGED EXTORTION CLAIM INVOLVING OFFICERS OF FEDERAL HIGHWAY PATROL UNIT

POLICE PRESS RELEASE

OYO POLICE COMMAND CLARIFIES ALLEGED EXTORTION CLAIM INVOLVING OFFICERS OF FEDERAL HIGHWAY PATROL UNIT

The Oyo State Police Command has commenced an investigation into a claim of alleged extortion involving two Police Officers attached to the Federal Highway Patrol Unit, Oyo State Command, following a directive by the Commissioner of Police to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident.

In the course of the preliminary investigation, it was established that on September 2026, at about 1100hrs, a commercial bus driver allegedly overtook a truck being stopped by officers of the Federal Highway Patrol Unit along the Idiayunre/Ijebu-Ode Expressway in a manner that nearly resulted in a serious road traffic accident.

Following the incident, the driver reportedly stopped abruptly after sighting a Safer Highway Patrol team ahead. ASP Oyeta­de Olayinka, who approached the vehicle to ascertain the situation, requested the driver’s licence and relevant vehicle particulars. The driver, however, declined to produce the documents.

Apparently seeking to resolve the matter, the driver contacted the Chairman of Onitsha Garage, Mr. BJ, who subsequently arrived at the scene with other members of the park leadership in a Toyota Sienna bus. The arrival of the group led to 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 ensure that traffic flow was not disrupted.

While the situation was being managed, the commercial bus driver commenced recording the incident with his mobile phone and made claims against the Police Officers. The Chairman of the park, having interacted with the parties and officers present, subsequently pleaded with the officers while efforts were being made to resolve the matter.

Against this background, the Command commenced a discreet investigation, during which the two Police Officers involved were invited to Police Headquarters, interviewed and subsequently made statements under caution. The investigation also established that no evidence of extortion was found against the officers in respect of the incident.

To further clarify the circumstances surrounding the allegation, the leadership of Onitsha Garage who were present at the scene has also been invited by the Command. During their interaction with the Police, they undertook to assist the investigation by producing the commercial bus driver who made the allegation against the officers.

Consequently, the Command is awaiting the production of the driver to enable him provide a statement and clarify the circumstances surrounding his claim, while further investigative steps are being taken to establish the full facts of the incident.

In the meantime, the Oyo State Police Command reiterates its commitment to professional policing, accountability and transparency. The Command will continue to investigate complaints against its personnel objectively, while ensuring that members of the public are adequately informed of verified developments.

For Emergencies, Contact:
Oyo State Call Response Center Toll-Free Line: 615
Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614 / 07055495413

E-SIGNED
DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
Oyo State Police Command
1st October, 2026.