Artist Accuses Lagos Airport Police Of N1 Million Extortion

Artist Accuses Lagos Airport Police Of N1 Million ExtortionEmerging artist Efemena Richard has shared his harrowing experience of alleged police extortion, claiming that officers at Muritala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos extorted N1 million from him. Richard reported that the officers not only seized his funds but also coerced him into signing documents and taking photos of him.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

On October 21, 2024, an X user named Harrison Gwamnishu shared a video of Richard recounting the incident, highlighting that Richard reached out to him via Instagram.

In his message, Richard stated, “The police just extorted me. They took 1 million naira after searching my phone and finding nothing.” He explained that he was stopped on his way to the airport, and despite his pleas that he was about to miss his flight, the officers refused to let him go. They allegedly demanded that he transfer the money from his account before continuing his journey to Warri, Delta State.

The three-minute video, tagged “One million naira extorted from a music artist #smookyhighgrade by some police officers,” shows Richard in a moving vehicle, claiming he was held by officers who initially demanded $10,000 to allow him to board his flight.

He described how the officers pressured him to write a statement promising to release him if he complied. “I could have left the money, but I can’t; it’s a lot of money. Nigerians, please help me, N1 million is no small money,” he pleaded.

Richard also mentioned recording one of the officers to capture evidence of their actions, showing the stained tips of their fingers, which he claimed indicated they had been taking thumbprints. He explained that he was forced to speak on camera to prove he wasn’t under duress and signed papers that the officers used as consent after instructing his sister to send the N1 million.

“They even asked for my blockchain wallet. I don’t know what the police want with that. I’m just an upcoming artist, not a fraudster. I just returned from South Africa to promote my music and was heading home to see my mom,” he lamented.

In response to the incident, Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi urged the Lagos Police Command and Airport Command PRO to investigate the allegations, tweeting, “Contact #BenHundeyin and PRO Airport Command to fish out these men and revert please. Thanks.

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