A video showing a Chinese national and his family offering money to Nigerian police officers has sparked widespread condemnation in Nigeria and abroad. The footage, which went viral, depicts the Chinese national handing out N5,000 notes to uniformed mobile police (MOPOL) officers, with a woman and young girl, presumed to be his relatives, following suit. The act has been widely criticized as demeaning to the Nigeria Police Force.

According to a police officer familiar with the situation, the officers involved were from the Kaduna squadron and were assigned to Lagos to provide security for the Chinese man. The officer stated that accepting such gratuities violates police ethics, which prohibit officers from accepting gifts that could compromise their impartiality. In response, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has summoned the Provost of 1 Police Mobile Force (MOPOL) in Kaduna, Aliyu Adejembi, and his team for questioning. Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced in a statement that the officers have been identified and will face disciplinary action for their unethical behavior, which is contrary to police standards.

The incident has drawn strong reactions from various quarters. Omoyele Sowore, a human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), labeled the act as “shameful,” attributing it to “greed and indiscipline.” He reiterated his call for the removal of Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun, whose tenure was extended despite being due for retirement. The Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), China Chapter, also condemned the video, noting its initial appearance on the Chinese social media platform WeChat. Similarly, the Anti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Drug Abuse Initiative (AKH-TRACADA) called for a thorough investigation.

Primate Ezeanyaeche, the founder of AKH-TRACADA, expressed concerns that the video was a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s security agencies. He described the actions of the Chinese national as an insult to Nigeria, questioning the narrative being promoted and the motives behind disseminating such imagery. Ezeanyaeche urged National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, to investigate the Chinese national's activities, including the legality and purpose of his stay in Nigeria. He raised concerns about the potential exploitation of Nigerian security agencies and the implications for national security.

In response to the controversy, the Chinese national, identified as Mr. Jiang, issued an apology, explaining that the money given to the officers was intended as a food subsidy. He stated that his delegation had met with Nigerian authorities to discuss investment opportunities and that the police had provided excellent security services. According to Jiang, the “meal subsidies” were a gesture of gratitude and appreciation, with no intention to disrespect or insult the local police. He attributed the video's circulation to the unfamiliarity of his personnel with local customs and regulations, expressing regret for the negative impact on the security team.

Mr. Jiang affirmed his commitment to promoting investment between China and Nigeria, pledging to continue bringing investors to the country and contributing to the friendly development of both nations. He also promised to educate his personnel on local culture, customs, laws, and regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future. He reiterated his sincere apology for the situation.

In related news, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, warned that the United States' tariff policies under President Donald Trump could trigger a severe global economic downturn, which could also hurt the US economy. Dunhai cautioned that the US’ aggressive trade tactics, which put top pressure on its trading partners, could ultimately backfire. According to him, the US is essentially working against itself because the ongoing tariff battle may harm the interests of the US, as well as its allies. By disregarding international cooperation and escalating the trade conflict, the US runs the risk of fueling inflation. This will undermine its industrial sector, instigate market upheaval, thereby heightening the possibility of an impending economic recession.