The Ondo State Police Command has taken decisive action, arresting an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and three inspectors following the widespread circulation of a viral video. The footage captured the officers engaging in highly unprofessional and ethnically insensitive remarks towards a member of the public, sparking significant outrage.
The deeply disturbing video shows one of the officers explicitly threatening to unlawfully detain a motorist during a stop-and-search operation along the busy Lagos-Benin Expressway, stating the threat was contingent on the driver being of Igbo extraction. This egregious display of tribal bias and potential abuse of power quickly went viral, drawing widespread condemnation.
Officers Identified, Comprehensive Investigation Underway
Addressing journalists in Akure on Friday, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the arrests and identified the implicated officers. They are 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.
Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, has promptly ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The probe aims to thoroughly establish the circumstances surrounding the officers’ conduct and determine the precise level of culpability for each individual involved.
Zero Tolerance for Misconduct and Ethnic Division
Abayomi emphatically reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and public trust. He stressed that the Force has absolutely no tolerance for misconduct, incivility, or any actions capable of undermining public confidence, promoting ethnic division, or bringing the institution into disrepute.
He further reminded all officers of their fundamental duty to conduct themselves professionally at all times, respect the inherent dignity of all citizens, and operate strictly in line with the Force’s Code of Conduct and Standard Operating Procedures. The public has been assured that the investigation will be conducted with the utmost fairness, transparency, and accountability. Abayomi warned that any officer found to have violated the stringent ethics and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force will face appropriate disciplinary measures in strict accordance with existing laws and established procedures.