Viral video: Money given to Nigeria Police Officers was for food subsidy, says Chinese national

A Chinese national, simply identified as Mr Jiang, has apologised for his actions, on the trending video where some Nigerian Policemen were seen been handed over N5,000 each in a ridiculous manner.

Penpushing reports that the Chinese national while regretting the action, however, explained that the money given to the officers was for food subsidy, adding that there was no intent to disrespect or insult the local police but just to say thank you to them.

The Chinese said he gave the policemen food subsidies as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation, stressing that these meal subsidies do not imply anything else, explaining that he led Chinese delegation to meet with Nigerian authorities for investment opportunities and during the process, the local police provided them with excellent security services

“Recently, I led a Chinese delegation to meet with Nigerian authorities for investment opportunities. During the process, the local police provided us with excellent security services,” the Chinese national said in a video shared by Sahara Reporters. “To thank them for their efforts, I gave them food subsidies as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation’, he said

‘These meal subsidies do not imply anything else. There was no intent to disrespect or insult the local police — just to say thank you. The atmosphere was very friendly and contained no ill intentions’, he stated

‘However, due to the unfamiliarity of our accompanying personnel with local cultural practices and regulations, a video of the process was taken and shared online. This is their first time in Nigeria, and unfortunately, the development has had a negative effect on our security team. I apologise for that’, he added.

“I have been committed to promoting investment opportunities between China and Nigeria, bringing more investors to the country, and contributing to the friendly development of both nations’.

“Although this incident has had some negative impact online, it will not affect the future. I will continue to promote and lead more investors to Nigeria. Finally, I will discuss this incident with all relevant personnel and departments to address its impact. I sincerely apologise’.

“This serves as a reminder to all our people investing in Nigeria to learn about local culture and customs, understand local laws and regulations, respect the local culture and legal systems, and strive to be well-informed investors.”

Penpushing further reports that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has, however, summoned the Provost of 1 Police Mobile Force (MOPOL) in Kaduna, Aliyu Adejobi, along with his team for questioning over a trending video.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made this known in a statement, adding that the officers have been identified for disciplinary action and described their acts as unethical and contrary to the standards of the police force, a development which has generated reactions from Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.

Penpushing also reports that in the video a Chinese national and his family were seen giving N5,000 each to the policemen who dressed in Mobile Police (MOPOL) uniform, while a woman and a young girl, believed to be members of his family, also did the same.

The Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, reacting to the incident described the scenario as a shameful act, pointing out that the police officers were reduced to nobody because of greed

“They’re reduced to nobody because of greed and indiscipline. This is why I keep saying Illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun must leave the police force and let fresh hands run the Nigeria Police Force. It is the shame of the nation’, Sowore wrote on X.

Penpushing reports that in same vein, Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), China Chapter, condemned the video, which it said first appeared on WeChat, a popular Chinese social media platform.

The founder of the Anti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Drug Abuse Initiative (AKH-TRACADA) a Non-Governmental Organistaion Primate Ezeanyaeche in reaction condemned the video, calling for an investigation into the matter.

Penpushing further reports that Ezeanyaeche, in the statement on Friday, declared that the video is a calculated attempt to undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s security agencies, an insult and disrespectful to the country where the Chinese and his family are surviving.”

‘We condemn the attitude of the Chinese towards a kind gesture of the Nigerian government, especially the Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Security System in general,” he said. “It is an insult, disrespectful and disregarding to the country where the Chinese and his family are surviving.”

Penpushing also reports that the organization boss pointed out that the video is not only suspicious but appears orchestrated to mock Nigeria’s law enforcement personnel and exploit the country’s hospitality.

“From our understanding, the officers were on regular duty and were reportedly called out to assemble without prior briefing. It’s unjust to conclude they were complicit in any wrongdoing,” he said.

“If this video was sent to Chinese media outlets, we must ask: what narrative was intended? Who benefits from such imagery? It suggests an organised attempt to undermine our security agencies’,Ezeanyaeche added.

Penpushing reports that he urged the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the Chinese national’s activities, including the legality and purpose of his stay in Nigeria.

“My question remains if one Chinese has this number for “services”, how many are left for other people and the public?” he asked. “We need to know what business he is involved in, who he is connected to, and whether his operations align with Nigerian laws and values. No foreign national should enjoy the protection of Nigerian security agencies while treating those very institutions with disdain’, added.

Penpushing reports that a police officer who prefer anonymity said the officers were from Kaduna squadron, explaining that they were drafted to Lagos primarily for the purpose of providing security to the Chinese man who was seen giving them money.

The officer, who had knowledge of the incident, however, said the act contravenes the ethics of the police which frowns at gratification that may hinder officers from honestly discharging their duties.

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