The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four police officers seen in a viral video allegedly making ethnically biased and unprofessional remarks to a motorist during a stop-and-search operation along the Lagos–Benin Expressway.
The incident, which sparked widespread outrage on social media, involved a heated exchange between the officers and a motorist reportedly returning from the United Kingdom. In the video, the driver accused the officers of intimidation, ethnic profiling and attempted extortion after they tried to stop and search his vehicle.
During the confrontation, one of the officers allegedly stated that the motorist would have been detained if he were of Igbo origin, a comment that drew sharp criticism from Nigerians and prompted calls for disciplinary action.
Reacting to the controversy, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the officers had been identified and arrested on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu.
The officers were identified as ASP Elomore Sodayo, Inspector Adefila Adewale, Inspector Olorunfemi Opeyemi and Inspector Odusola Peter.
Jimoh said the Commissioner of Police had ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the level of culpability of each officer.
He reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force does not tolerate misconduct, incivility or actions capable of promoting ethnic division or undermining public confidence in the institution.
Inside Ondo State:
Toddler beheaded, mother attacked in Idanre, Ondo State
Gunmen Storm Ondo Palace, Kidnap Monarch, Wife Shot
Amotekun Nabs 97 Suspected Kidnappers in Ondo Forest Raids
According to him, officers are expected to uphold professionalism, respect human dignity and strictly comply with the Force’s Code of Conduct and Standard Operating Procedures.
The command assured the public that the investigation would be conducted fairly and transparently, adding that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the law.
Police also urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of misconduct through the appropriate complaint channels as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and community policing.
About The Author
