Interim Investigation Finds No Extortion Evidence Against 2 Highway Patrol Officers — Oyo Police

By Victoria Isaac 

The Oyo State Police Command has found no evidence of extortion against two officers of the Federal Highway Patrol Unit following a preliminary investigation into an allegation arising from an incident along the Idiayunre/Ijebu-Ode Expressway.

The investigation was ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegation.

The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, October 1, 2026, stating that the incident occurred on September 29, 2026.

According to the statement, trouble started after a commercial bus driver allegedly overtook a truck being stopped by Federal Highway Patrol officers in a manner that nearly caused a serious road traffic accident.

The driver reportedly brought the bus to an abrupt stop after sighting a Safer Highway Patrol team ahead.

ASP Oyetade Olayinka, who approached the vehicle to establish what had happened, requested the driver’s licence and relevant vehicle documents. The driver allegedly refused to produce them.

The driver subsequently contacted the Chairman of Onitsha Garage, Mr BJ, who arrived at the scene with other members of the park leadership in a Toyota Sienna bus.

The arrival of the group heightened activity at the scene, as personnel of the Safer Highway and Federal Highway Patrol Units worked together to manage the situation, safeguard lives and property and prevent the incident from disrupting traffic.

The bus driver, meanwhile, began recording the incident with his mobile phone and made allegations against the police officers.

The Chairman of Onitsha Garage, after speaking with the parties and officers at the scene, reportedly appealed to the officers as efforts continued to resolve the situation.

Following the incident, the Police Command commenced a discreet investigation. The two officers involved were invited to Police Headquarters, where they were interviewed and made statements under caution.

The preliminary investigation, the Command said, found no evidence of extortion against the officers in connection with the incident.

The investigation, however, remains ongoing as the Command seeks to establish the full circumstances surrounding the allegation.

The leadership of Onitsha Garage, which was present at the scene, has also been invited by the Police and has undertaken to assist by producing the commercial bus driver who made the allegation.

The Command said the driver’s appearance would enable him to give his own statement and clarify the circumstances surrounding his claim, while further investigative steps are being taken.

The Oyo Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to professional policing, accountability and transparency, saying complaints against its personnel would continue to receive objective attention.

It added that members of the public would be kept informed of verified developments arising from the investigation.