The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four officers over unprofessional and ethnically insensitive remarks made to a motorist during a stop-and-search operation along the Lagos–Benin Expressway.
In a viral video, the officers confronted a UK returnee who challenged their attempt to stop and search him, accusing them of intimidation, ethnic profiling and extortion.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation on social media after one officer allegedly suggested the motorist would have been detained if he were Igbo.
Addressing journalists in Akure on Friday, the command spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, identified the officers as ASP Elomore Sodayo, Inspector Adefila Adewale, Inspector Olorunfemi Opeyemi, and Inspector Odusola Peter.
Jimoh 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.
“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.”
Jimoh assured Nigerians that the investigation would be conducted transparently and fairly.
“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,” he said.
(The Whistler)