Ondo: Four Police Officers Arrested Over Ethnic Comment in Viral Video
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four of its officers over a viral video showing them allegedly making ethnically insensitive remarks to a member of the public during a stop-and-search operation along the Lagos-Benin Expressway. The officers reportedly told the motorist, “If you had been from the East, we would have detained you,” a […]
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four of its officers over a viral video showing them allegedly making ethnically insensitive remarks to a member of the public during a stop-and-search operation along the Lagos-Benin Expressway.
The officers reportedly told the motorist, “If you had been from the East, we would have detained you,” a statement that sparked widespread condemnation on social media.
Addressing journalists in Akure on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the officers had been identified and taken into custody on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu.
Jimoh identified the officers as ASP Elomore Sodayo (AP/No. 207454), Inspector Adefila Adewale (AP/No. 332012), Inspector Olorunfemi Opeyemi (AP/No. 332449), and Inspector Odusola Peter (AP/No. 332369).
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He said the Commissioner of Police had ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident to determine the level of culpability of each officer.
“The Command wishes to inform the general public that the officers captured in the video have been arrested and identified as 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.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the level of culpability of each officer involved,” Jimoh said.
The police spokesperson stressed that the Nigeria Police Force would not tolerate any form of misconduct or behaviour capable of promoting ethnic division.
“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.
“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.”
Jimoh assured the public that the investigation would be conducted with fairness, transparency and accountability, warning that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action.
“The Command assures members of the public that the outcome of the investigation will be guided by the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability. 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.”
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to professional, intelligence-driven and community-oriented policing, while urging residents to remain law-abiding and continue reporting cases of police misconduct through established complaint channels.