Prominent Nigerian social commentator and influencer, JJ. Omojuwa, took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday to narrate an alarming encounter with police officers in Abuja, during which they allegedly attempted to extort ₦5 million from him.
According to Omojuwa, the incident occurred when police officers stopped his car, which was being driven by someone else. Claiming the driver was a “Yahoo boy” (internet fraudster), they demanded ₦1 million from him as a bribe. However, the driver insisted on contacting the car’s owner—Omojuwa.
When Omojuwa spoke with the officers, they shifted their focus, accusing him of having expired vehicle papers.
He confidently denied the claim and permitted them to search the car, asserting that the valid documents were inside. The officers then escalated their demand, asking for ₦5 million.
Omojuwa recounted how he told the officers to take the car and driver to their station, promising to resolve the issue with their superiors.
Following this response, the officers became suspicious, asking the driver about Omojuwa’s identity. When the driver stated he only knew him by name, the officers abruptly released the car and driver.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Omojuwa expressed concern for Nigerians without the means, network, or knowledge to navigate such situations. “We still have a long way to go,” he stressed.
