Nigerian Police Harasses Tourists Over RHD Vehicle Despite Legal Permit, Footage Goes Viral
A viral video circulating on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Sahara Reporters has captured a troubling encounter between a Nigerian police officer and two international tourists — a man and a woman — over driving a right-hand drive (RHD) vehicle in Nigeria, despite having a legal temporary permit.
The Confrontation
The tourists, identified as Martha and Mitchell, were driving from Benin Republic through Nigeria to Cameroon on a 30-day temporary permit. Upon stopping the vehicle, the officer claimed that driving an RHD vehicle in Nigeria was illegal, ignoring the travelers’ presentation of valid documentation.
During the encounter, the officer asked several personal questions. He inquired whether they were husband and wife, to which the female tourist replied that they were boyfriend and girlfriend. The officer then asked:
“Those people that use to catch animals in the bush?”
The tourists answered no. He followed up by asking if they were being paid for being tourists, referencing their travel activities. The female tourist explained that they had sold their house in England to purchase the vehicle and had traveled all the way from England to South Africa.
Immediately after, the conversation took an unexpected turn. The officer began asking their ages, marital status, and questioned whether a light on the side of the car was a camera. He made inappropriate comments to Mitchell, telling him to get the female tourist pregnant, and repeatedly asked them to pull over.
Alcohol Discussion and Police Misconduct
The officer asked if they consume alcohol, to which the lady responded:
“Yes, sometimes.”
He then offered to buy alcohol for her. Mitchell politely declined, explaining that they needed to reach their destination before dark. The female tourist recounted that they had been warned about Nigeria beforehand, so they declined the offer, collected their documents, and attempted to drive off.
Just before the video ended, the officer was heard saying to the female tourist:
“You like enjoyment too much, please have a baby for this man. This man is a very fine man.”
To Mitchell, he added:
“Try and impregnate this woman when you get home; I will be very happy to see her impregnated by you.”
Mitchell responded humorously:
“I will try my best.”
Background on RHD Vehicles in Nigeria
Nigeria officially switched from left-hand drive (RHD) vehicles to right-hand drive (LHD) vehicles in 1972/1973. Under current law, permanent use of RHD vehicles is prohibited, with offenders potentially facing fines of ₦20,000, up to six months’ imprisonment, or vehicle forfeiture. However, international travelers often obtain temporary permits for cross-border travel, making Martha and Mitchell’s situation legally valid.
Public and Police Response
The video has sparked massive online debate, with many questioning the conduct of the Nigerian police officer. While the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has a Complaint Response Unit (CRU) to investigate officer misconduct, incidents like this highlight the challenges faced by tourists in Nigeria, even when fully compliant with the law.
Authorities urge international travelers to always carry proper documentation and record encounters with law enforcement as a precaution.
Key Takeaways for Travelers
This incident serves as a reminder that:
- Always carry all transit permits and identification when driving through Nigeria.
- Be aware that encounters with law enforcement may be recorded and used as evidence.
3. Remain calm, respond politely, and document the interaction when possible.
4. Report any harassment to the official police complaint units.
Conclusion
While Nigerian law regarding RHD vehicles is clear, this viral incident highlights the importance of professional, fair enforcement. Travelers are reminded to understand local regulations fully, and authorities are encouraged to follow proper procedures when interacting with visitors.
You can watch the full video of the encounter for the complete conversation between the tourists and the officers.
