Police in Nigeria’s Ekiti State arrested several travellers on 7 November 2026 after a video posted on social media claimed that officers of the Safer Highway Patrol had threatened, assaulted and robbed passengers on Awo‑Iropora Road in Igede‑Ekiti.
The circulating clip shows four occupants of two Toyota Hiace buses accusing the officers of brandishing knives and cutlasses, shouting that they were being robbed. One of the passengers, identified as 32‑year‑old Seriki Sikirulahi, later uploaded the footage to TikTok, prompting public outcry.
In a statement released on Saturday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Sunday Abutu described the allegations as “false, misleading and unfounded.” He said a preliminary investigation confirmed that no officer was armed, no passenger was assaulted and no robbery took place. According to the statement, the patrol team stopped the buses for routine checks and requested vehicle documents, but the occupants chose to record the officers instead of complying.
The command condemned the “deliberate misrepresentation” of police activities and warned that selective video recordings can incite hostility against law‑enforcement officers. While acknowledging citizens’ right to record public actions, the police said that right must not be abused to obstruct officers or spread false information. The suspects have been detained and are being investigated under the direction of Commissioner of Police Falade Adegoroye Michael.
Police officials reiterated that officers will not be intimidated by attempts to distort their lawful duties. They urged the public to disregard the misleading narrative, remain calm and cooperate with officers carrying out legitimate security duties.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
