The Lagos State Police Command has reacted to a viral video showing two officers demanding a permit from a drone operator on the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.
The video raised questions from netizens about whether the operator required a permit to shoot a video on the bridge.
In a press release on Saturday, the command confirmed that the officers were justified in requesting a drone permit.
The statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, read, “In response to a now viral video showing two police officers demanding a drone permit from a drone operating individual on the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Lagos State Police Command wishes to clarify that the police officers acted within the ambit of the law to demand to see a permit.
“For emphasis, Nigerian aviation laws stipulate that a permit must be obtained from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority for the operation of drones weighing more than 250 grams anywhere within the country.”
However, the command condemned the officers for attempting to extort the drone operator, stating that disciplinary actions would be taken.
It added, “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, 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.”
