A group, Road Accident Prevention Network Center (RAPNEC NG), said it is alarmed by the growing trend of extortion of motorists by some officers of the Nigeria Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the guise of violating traffic rules, particularly traffic light infractions.
While acknowledging the importance of maintaining traffic discipline, the group, however, condemns the unprofessional and exploitative tactics employed by some police officers.
Chief Executive Office of the group, Prince Ache Julius Ogu, noted that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has set a commendable example by utilising body cameras to provide evidence of violations, promoting transparency and accountability.
Ogu urges the FCT Commissioner of Police and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to implement body cameras for Nigeria Police officers and to establish clear guidelines and procedures for traffic enforcement.
The group also called for an increased training for police officers on professionalism and ethics, and to investigate and prosecute officers involved in extortion.
“We call on relevant authorities to prevent this situation from degenerating further. Motorists deserve safe and respectful interactions with law enforcement”, he added.