The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four officers after a viral video showing them making alleged ethnically charged remarks during a stop-and-search operation triggered widespread public criticism across social media.
The incident, which reportedly occurred along the Lagos–Benin Expressway, involved a confrontation between the officers and a motorist believed to be a Nigerian returning from the United Kingdom. The video, which circulated widely on Friday, captured a tense exchange during which the driver accused the policemen of intimidation, ethnic profiling and an attempt to extort him.
Public outrage intensified after one of the officers was heard suggesting that the motorist would have been detained if he had belonged to the Igbo ethnic group. The remarks drew strong condemnation from Nigerians, with many demanding disciplinary measures against the officers involved.
Responding to the controversy, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed that the officers had been identified, arrested and placed under investigation following a directive from the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu.
Speaking with journalists in Akure on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed the identities of the officers.
He said, “The Command wishes to inform the general public that the officers captured in the video have been arrested and identified as AP/No. 207454 ASP Elomore Sodayo, AP/No. 332012 Inspector Adefila Adewale, AP/No. 332449 Inspector Olorunfemi Opeyemi, and AP/No. 332369 Inspector Odusola Peter.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the level of culpability of each officer involved.”
Jimoh stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to professionalism and would not condone any conduct capable of undermining public trust or promoting ethnic division.
According to him, “The Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined and professional institution that does not condone any form of misconduct, incivility, or actions capable of undermining public confidence, promoting ethnic division, or bringing the Force into disrepute.
“Officers are expected at all times to conduct themselves with the utmost professionalism, respect for human dignity, and in strict compliance with the Code of Conduct and Standard Operating Procedures.”
The police spokesman assured members of the public that the investigation would be handled impartially and in line with established disciplinary procedures, promising that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face the appropriate sanctions.
He added, “The Command assures members of the public that the outcome of the investigation will be guided by the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
“Any officer found to have acted contrary to the ethics and standards of the Nigeria Police Force will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the law and established disciplinary procedures.”
Jimoh further reaffirmed the Ondo State Police Command’s commitment to intelligence-led, professional and community-oriented policing, while encouraging citizens to continue reporting cases of police misconduct through the Force’s official complaint channels.
(Ripples)