Edo Youths Chase Policemen, Vigilantes From Checkpoint Over Alleged Extortion

Tension erupted along the Auchi–Aviele Road in Edo State after a group of angry youths confronted policemen and members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) over allegations of extorting motorists and commercial motorcycle operators at a checkpoint.

A video of the confrontation, which circulated on social media on October 31, 2026, showed the youths challenging the security personnel, searching them and demanding an explanation for money allegedly collected from road users.

The youth leader claimed that the group recovered ₦4,200 from the checkpoint after discovering that the officers and vigilantes had allegedly collected money from commercial motorcyclists and other motorists within less than 30 minutes.

The confrontation, which was captured in the viral footage, involved armed police officers who were seen responding to the youths’ demands as they insisted on searching the personnel.

In one scene, the youth leader, dressed in shorts and a sleeveless shirt, directed members of his group to search one of the officers.

The policeman reportedly responded, “Nothing dey my body,” as he raised his hands to allow the search.

Another voice in the background was heard saying, “Hold on! Let them search youth.”

The officer was subsequently frisked, with the person conducting the search indicating that nothing had been found on him.

During the confrontation, a policeman believed to be leading the security team attempted to hand his mobile phone to the youth leader, apparently to enable him to speak with an unidentified person who could help resolve the situation.

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However, the youth leader rejected the offer, shouting, “I no wan talk!” He subsequently struck the officer’s hand during another attempt to hand over the phone.

The youths later demanded that the policemen and vigilantes leave the checkpoint before moving to another location to explain their intervention.

Explaining the reason for their action, the youth leader said they had received information that security personnel stationed along the Auchi–Aviele Road were allegedly extorting motorists, passengers and commercial motorcycle operators.

He claimed that the group discovered that the officers and vigilantes had collected ₦4,200 from road users within less than 30 minutes of operating at the checkpoint.

“We found out that they had already collected ₦4,200 from bike men and others. I’m taking this money to the Area Commander,” he said.

The youth leader also called on the Edo State Commissioner of Police to investigate the alleged activities of the security personnel and establish whether their deployment to the checkpoint had been officially authorised.

He specifically mentioned the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Agbede Police Station, alleging that the policemen involved told the youths they were acting on the DPO’s instructions.

He further claimed that the vigilantes said they had been deployed by their superior in Aviele.

The youth leader questioned why security personnel assigned to protect road users would allegedly demand money from them while carrying out their official duties, particularly amid the economic difficulties facing many Nigerians.

He also argued that the amount allegedly collected within such a short period could have increased considerably if the checkpoint had remained operational for several hours.

According to him, the officers could have collected between ₦80,000 and ₦100,000 if they had continued operating at the location.

He maintained that the recovered ₦4,200 would be handed over to the Area Commander and urged the police authorities to investigate the allegations, including the claimed involvement of the Agbede DPO.

The incident has generated reactions on social media, with several Nigerians expressing concern over allegations of police extortion at checkpoints and demanding greater accountability from security personnel.

The circulating video has also renewed discussions about the conduct of officers at roadblocks and the need for effective supervision of personnel deployed to maintain security on major roads.

However, the allegations against the officers and their superiors have not been independently established, and the confrontation itself does not amount to proof of criminal wrongdoing.

As of November 1, 2026, there was no reported official response from the Edo State Police Command addressing the allegations or confirming whether an investigation had commenced.

The incident is likely to intensify calls for the police authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the checkpoint, establish whether any unauthorised collections occurred and take appropriate action if misconduct is established.