The Lagos state police command has reacted to a viral video of two police officers demanding a drone permit from a drone-operating individual on the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.
In the video, a man who was cycling could be seen being interrogated by some police officers. The officers asked the man for the permit he obtained before using the drone on the bridge. The cyclist said he had none and wondered when Nigerians needed a permit to fly a drone. The officers disclosed that he was supposed to obtain a permit from Lekki Concession Company LCC or the police before using the drone. After delaying him for over an hour, the officers were caught on camera asking for a bribe.
In a statement released, the spokesperson of the state police command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, said the police officers acted within the ambit of the law to demand a permit.
‘’For emphasis, Nigerian aviation laws stipulate that a permit must be obtained from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for the operation of drones weighing more than 250 grams anywhere within the country,” Hundeyin said
He added that nonetheless, the Lagos State Police Command totally condemns the unprofessional conduct of the officers in attempting to extort the drone operator as can be seen in the concluding part of the video.
‘’The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Adegoke Fayoade, mni has, therefore, directed the Commanding Officer of 49 PMF Akodo, from whose squadron the police officers were duly posted to the bridge, to produce the men for appropriate disciplinary actions.” the statement read
