Nigerian comedian and activist MC Okrika has claimed that his life is in danger after he released video footage showing police officers allegedly smoking Indian hemp and extorting a young man in Cross River State. In a video that quickly went viral on social media, Okrika appealed directly to the Inspector General of Police, the Cross River State Commissioner of Police and the state government for protection and an investigation.
The comedian said he recorded the police officers “smoking Indian hemp” and posted the clip online, after witnessing the officers harass a young man and demand money at an illegal checkpoint. “My life is at risk because I exposed what the police are doing,” Okrika told the camera. “If anything happens to me, the police force should be held accountable.”
He asserted that he had received threats and curses and that the police were actively pursuing him. Okrika urged authorities to intervene, warning that any harm that befalls him would be a direct consequence of the police actions he exposed.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for police reform in Nigeria, where allegations of corruption, extortion and abuse of power by law‑enforcement officers have been a recurring concern. Human‑rights groups have repeatedly urged the Nigeria Police Force to address misconduct and improve accountability mechanisms, especially in the wake of high‑profile scandals.
The Inspector General of Police, the Cross River State Police Commissioner and the state government have not yet responded publicly to Okrika’s allegations. Police officials, when approached for comment, indicated that an internal inquiry would be launched but provided no timetable for findings.
Okrika’s accusations arrive amid broader national debate over the use of illegal checkpoints and the policing of drug‑related offenses. While the possession of cannabis remains illegal in Nigeria, the alleged presence of narcotics among active police officers raises questions about internal controls and the integrity of the force.
The comedian’s appeal underscores the risks faced by whistle‑blowers in Nigeria, where attempts to expose corruption have sometimes led to intimidation or retaliation. Observers note that the case may set a precedent for how authorities handle allegations of police misconduct when they are publicized online.
The situation remains fluid. Media outlets will continue to monitor statements from the police hierarchy and any developments in the alleged investigation. If the claims are substantiated, they could prompt further scrutiny of police practices in Cross River State and potentially influence broader reforms across the country.
