The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four officers seen in a viral video accused of making ethnically insensitive remarks and displaying unprofessional conduct during a stop-and-search operation on the Lagos–Benin Expressway.
The officers were taken into custody after the footage sparked widespread condemnation on social media, prompting the command to launch a formal investigation into the incident.
The video, which circulated widely on Friday, captured a heated exchange between the officers and a motorist believed to be a United Kingdom returnee. The driver challenged the officers over their attempt to stop and search his vehicle.
During the confrontation, the motorist accused the officers of intimidation, ethnic profiling and attempting to extort him. One of the officers was also heard suggesting that the driver would have been detained if he had been of Igbo ethnicity.
The remarks triggered strong reactions across X and other social media platforms, with many Nigerians demanding disciplinary action against the officers involved.
Addressing journalists in Akure on Friday, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that the officers had been identified and arrested on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu.
The officers were identified as ASP Elomore Sodayo, Inspector Adefila Adewale, Inspector Olorunfemi Opeyemi and Inspector Odusola Peter.
Jimoh said, “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.”
He stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to professionalism and would not tolerate misconduct or actions capable of damaging public confidence or promoting ethnic division.
According to Jimoh, “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.”
The police spokesperson assured the public that the investigation would be conducted fairly, transparently and in line with established procedures.
“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 said.
Jimoh reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professional, intelligence-driven and community-oriented policing. He also urged residents to report cases of police misconduct through the appropriate complaint channels, assuring the public that officers found culpable would face disciplinary action in accordance with the law.
