The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four officers featured in a viral video in which one of them allegedly made “unprofessional and ethnically insensitive” remarks to a motorist during a roadside stop on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The video shows one of the officers allegedly requesting money from the motorist and making an ethnic remark after the driver reportedly refused to pay.
The officer was also seen repeatedly asking the motorist to leave the scene without identifying any traffic violation.
During the encounter, 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 towards the roadside.
Speaking to journalists in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Friday, the police spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said the officers had been taken into custody and that a full investigation had commenced.
Jimoh said the investigation followed a directive from the state Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, to determine the level of responsibility of the officers and ensure appropriate disciplinary measures where necessary.
He said the command viewed the allegations contained in the viral video with “utmost seriousness”, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force would not tolerate conduct capable of undermining public confidence 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.”
The police spokesperson assured Nigerians that the investigation would be conducted fairly and transparently, adding that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face disciplinary action in accordance with the law and established procedures of the Nigeria Police Force.
Jimoh said the command remained committed to professional, intelligence-driven and community-oriented policing, while urging residents to remain law-abiding and continue reporting cases of police misconduct through the appropriate channels.
“The outcome of the investigation will be guided by the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability,” he 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.”