Four officers arrested as ethnic bias video sparks outrage

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four police officers after a video circulated widely on social media showing them engaging in unprofessional conduct and making ethnically insensitive remarks during a stop-and-search operation. The incident occurred along the Lagos–Benin Expressway.

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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.

The viral clip captured a heated exchange between the officers and a motorist, who reportedly had returned from the United Kingdom. The motorist accused the officers of intimidation, ethnic profiling, and attempting extortion. During the confrontation, one officer made remarks suggesting the motorist would have faced detention if he were Igbo, highlighting ethnic bias.

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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.

Public outrage erupted on social media platforms like X, with many Nigerians demanding disciplinary action. In response, the Police Public Relations Officer for Ondo State, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, announced the arrest of the officers on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu. The identified officers include ASP Elomore Sodayo and Inspectors Adefila Adewale, Olorunfemi Opeyemi, and Odusola Peter.

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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.

DSP Jimoh stated that a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances and the extent of each officer's culpability. He emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force, as a disciplined and professional institution, does not tolerate misconduct, incivility, or actions that erode public confidence, promote ethnic division, or bring the Force into disrepute. Officers are expected to uphold professionalism, respect human dignity, and adhere strictly to conduct codes and standard operating procedures. The Command assured the public of a transparent investigation and appropriate disciplinary measures for any officer found guilty.

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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.