The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four police officers seen in a viral video allegedly making unprofessional and ethnically insensitive remarks to a motorist during a stop-and-search operation along the Lagos–Benin Expressway.
The officers were arrested on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, following widespread public outrage over the incident, which trended across social media platforms on Friday.
The viral footage captured a heated exchange between the officers and a motorist, reportedly a United Kingdom returnee, who challenged their attempt to stop and search him. During the confrontation, the driver accused the officers of intimidation, ethnic profiling and attempting to extort him.
One of the officers was heard making a controversial remark suggesting that the motorist was “lucky not to be Igbo,” implying he would have been detained if he belonged to the ethnic group. The comment triggered widespread condemnation, with many Nigerians demanding disciplinary action against the officers.
Addressing journalists in Akure on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that the officers had been identified and taken into custody pending the outcome of an investigation.
The officers were identified as ASP Elomore Sodayo, Inspector Adefila Adewale, Inspector Olorunfemi Opeyemi and Inspector Odusola Peter.
According to Jimoh, Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the level of culpability of each officer involved.
He stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined and professional institution that does not condone misconduct, incivility or actions capable of promoting ethnic division or undermining public confidence.
“The Nigeria Police Force does not tolerate any conduct that brings the Force into disrepute. Officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, respect for human dignity and strict compliance with the Code of Conduct and Standard Operating Procedures,” Jimoh said.
He assured the public that the investigation would be conducted with fairness, transparency and accountability, adding that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary action in line with established procedures.
The police spokesman also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professional, intelligence-driven and community-oriented policing, urging members of the public to continue reporting cases of police misconduct through the appropriate complaint channels.
