The Lagos State Police Command has demoted a police inspector to the rank of Sergeant for attempting to extort money from a drone operator.
SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the demotion to NAN on Saturday.
“The disciplinary process against the police officer who harassed a drone operator on the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge has been completed.
“His status has been lowered from Inspector to Sergeant,” he declared.
According to NAN, Hundeyin reacted to a video that went viral on April 6, 2024, in which two police officers were seen on the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge asking a drone operator’s permission.
He added that by asking to see a permit, the police officers were acting legally.
To emphasize, Nigerian aviation regulations mandate that before operating a drone weighing more than 250 grams anywhere in the nation, a permit must be obtained from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
However, as the final scene of the video shows, the Lagos Police Command completely denounces the officers’ impolitic behavior in trying to extort the drone operator.
“Therefore, the Commanding Officer of 49 PMF Akodo, from whose squadron the police officers were lawfully posted to the bridge, has been asked by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, to produce the men for appropriate disciplinary actions,” the statement read.
