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The Ondo state police command says it has arrested four police officers seen in a viral video making “unprofessional and ethnically insensitive” remarks to a motorist during a roadside stop on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
In the viral video, one of the officers appeared to solicit a bribe from the motorist and made an ethnic remark after the driver refused to pay.
The officer is seen repeatedly asking the motorist to leave the scene without stating any traffic offence.
During the exchange, the officer said, “I just see that we are very close. If you were Igbo or another person, I would have just I’d have asked you to park…” before gesturing toward the roadside.
Speaking to journalists in Akure, the state capital, on Friday, Abayomi Jimoh, police spokesperson in Ondo, said the officers involved had been taken into custody while a full investigation had commenced.
Jimoh said the probe followed a directive by Felix Ohagwu, the state commissioner of police, to determine the level of culpability of the officers and ensure appropriate disciplinary action where necessary.
He said the command viewed the allegations in the viral video with “utmost seriousness”, noting that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) would not tolerate any conduct capable of eroding public trust or promoting ethnic division.
The officers identified in the video are Elomore Sodayo, Adefila Adewale, Olorunfemi Opeyemi and Odusola Peter, all inspectors.
“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,” Jimoh said.
“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.”
He assured Nigerians that the investigation would be conducted fairly, transparently and with accountability, adding that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face disciplinary action in line with the law and the NPF’s established procedures.
He said the command is committed to professional, intelligence-driven and community-oriented policing, urging residents to remain law-abiding and continue reporting cases of police misconduct through the appropriate complaint channels.
“The outcome of the investigation will be guided by the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability,” Jimoh said.
“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.”
