The Ondo State Police Command has arrested and detained four police officers captured in a viral video allegedly making ethnically biased and unprofessional remarks while carrying out a stop-and-search operation along the Lagos–Benin Expressway.
The command announced the development on Friday, saying the officers had been identified and a full-scale investigation ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the level of responsibility of each officer.
Police spokesperson in the state, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, who addressed journalists during a press briefing, 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).
“The Command wishes to inform the general public that the officers captured in the video have been arrested,” Jimoh said, adding that the Commissioner of Police had “ordered a comprehensive investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the level of culpability of each officer involved.”
The video, which has circulated widely on social media, sparked public outrage after the officers were captured making comments perceived as ethnically insensitive during the roadside operation, raising fresh concerns about professionalism and conduct within the Nigeria Police Force.
Responding to the controversy, the Ondo Police Command stressed that it would not tolerate misconduct capable of eroding public trust or promoting ethnic divisions.
“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.
He emphasized that police officers are required at all times to conduct themselves professionally, respect the dignity of every individual, and operate in line with the Force’s Code of Conduct and Standard Operating Procedures.
The command assured Nigerians that the ongoing investigation would be conducted transparently and fairly, promising that any officer found to have violated the ethics and standards of the Force would face disciplinary action.
“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.”
The police spokesperson reiterated the command’s commitment to professional, intelligence-driven and community-oriented policing, urging residents to continue supporting law enforcement by reporting cases of police misconduct through established complaint channels.
The latest development comes amid sustained calls for greater accountability within the Nigeria Police Force, with rights advocates and members of the public increasingly demanding prompt disciplinary action against officers accused of misconduct.
The Ondo State Police Command said it remains committed to restoring public confidence by ensuring that the investigation is thorough and that anyone found culpable is held accountable in accordance with the law.