The Chinese national in a viral video giving Mobile Police (MOPOL) officers cash has said the money was a form of food subsidy to the officers and not a bribe.
Identified as Mr Jiang, the Chinese man claimed it’s a common tradition in his country to show appreciation or kindness to people doing their jobs well.
In a video seen by newsmen, he apologised to the Nigerian people and police authorities.
“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. To thank them for their efforts, I gave them food subsidies as a gesture of gratitude and appreciation.”
“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. 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.”
“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,” he said.
The controversial viral video had recently showed Mobile Police (MOPOL) officers attached to a Chinese mining company in Sagamu, Ogun State, receiving cash from Jiang.
In the video, the personnel were standing in three lines as the Chinese national counted five N1,000 notes and handed to each officer.
A woman believed to be his wife and the child also did the same. Another Chinese national was seen recording the scene
The video, which has circulated widely on social media, drew public criticism and raised concerns about bribery, favoritism, and the ethical conduct of security personnel in Nigeria.
However, the police have defended the officers, insisting the money was a form of appreciation from the company’s owner and not a bribe.
The internal police communication revealed that the incident involved officers attached to AKK – Frontier Risk Management Nigeria Limited, a company reportedly operating at an approved mining site in Sagamu.
GOOD AFTERNOON SIR X SITREP X MY ATTENTION WAS DRAWN THIS MORNING TO A VIDEO CLIP X SHOWING THAT MEN MINE ATTACHED TO AKK – FRONTIER RISK MANAGEMENT NIGERIA LIMITED SAGAMU X AN APPROVED BEAT MINE X WERE SEEN BEEN GIVEN CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MONEY X SIR WHAT ACTUALLY TRANSPIRED WAS THAT X THE OWNER OF THE OF THE COMPANY CAME FROM CHINA AND WAS TOLD X THAT MEN MINE ATTACHED TO HIS COMPANY ARE CREDIBLY DOING WELL X HE REQUESTED HE WANTS TO SEE THEM AND HAVE ONE-ON-ONE WITH ALL OF THEM X INCLUDING THE CIVILIAN STAFF AND PRIVATE GUARDS X WHILE HE WAS MAKING HIS ADDRESS X ONE AMONGST THOSE WHO ESCORTED HIM A CHINESE MAN WITH HIS WIFE STARTED SHARING MONEY TO ALL OF THEM X SOMEONE MISCHIEVOUS MADE A CLIP AND POSTED TO AN INSTAGRAM PAGE X HOWEVER EFFORT IS BEEN MADE THROUGH THE COMPANY X TO TRACE THE PERPETRATOR X THE UNIT COMMANDER A DSP IS OSSUED A QUERY AND ALL OTHERS WERE DEFAULTED X THIS IS FOR YOUR INFORMATION AND FUTHER DIRECTIVES X PLEASE.”
The message appears to confirm that the officers were rewarded for what the company described as “credibly doing well” in the course of their assignment.
While authorities claim that the money was distributed as a gesture of goodwill by a Chinese national and his wife during an address to staff and security personnel, the viral clip has sparked outrage and suspicion over the conduct of both the officers and the foreign company.
Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, had condemned the Nigerian police over the viral video that showed Chinese nationals distributing cash to police officers.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had also ordered the Provost of 1 Police Mobile Force (MOPOL) in Kaduna and DSP Aliyu Adejembi, along with his team to appear for questioning following the circulation of the video showing them lined up to receive cash handouts from the Chinese business people.
The officers are to appear before the IGP via the Force Public Relations Department on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 9am without fail
