The officers were detained after a viral video showed them allegedly making unprofessional and ethnically insensitive comments during a stop-and-search operation
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four officers captured in a viral video allegedly making unprofessional and ethnically insensitive remarks to a motorist during a stop-and-search operation along the Lagos-Benin Expressway.
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The officers were also placed under investigation following widespread public outrage over the incident, which circulated on social media on Friday and triggered calls for disciplinary action.
The video showed a heated confrontation between the police officers and a motorist reportedly returning from the United Kingdom, who challenged the officers over their attempt to stop and search him.
During the exchange, the motorist accused the officers of intimidation, ethnic profiling and attempted extortion.
One of the officers was also heard making remarks suggesting that the motorist would have been detained if he were an Igbo man, prompting particularly strong condemnation online.
The incident quickly attracted attention on X and other social media platforms, where Nigerians criticised the conduct of the officers and called on the police authorities to investigate the matter.
Addressing journalists in Akure on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the officers had been identified and arrested following 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.
“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,” Jimoh said.
He added that Ohagwu had ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the encounter and determine the level of responsibility of each officer involved.
“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 said.
The police spokesman stressed that the Nigeria Police Force would not tolerate misconduct or behaviour capable of damaging public confidence in the institution.
He said officers were expected to maintain professional standards and respect the rights and dignity of members of the public while carrying out their duties.
“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.
“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 command also assured the public that the investigation would be conducted according to principles of fairness and transparency.
Jimoh said any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary measures in line with police regulations and the law.
“The Command assures members of the public that the outcome of the investigation will be guided by the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability,” he 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 command’s response comes amid continuing concerns about public interactions with law enforcement officers, particularly during stop-and-search operations on major highways.
The viral video has also reignited discussions about allegations of ethnic profiling and misconduct during police encounters, issues that have the potential to deepen mistrust between security agencies and the communities they serve.
For the Ondo State Command, the investigation will now be closely watched as the authorities seek to establish what occurred during the encounter and determine whether the officers breached established professional standards.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to professional, intelligence-driven and community-oriented policing, while urging residents to report alleged police misconduct through established complaint channels.
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The arrests represent a significant first step in addressing the public outcry, but the credibility of the police response will ultimately depend on the transparency of the investigation and whether appropriate action is taken if the allegations against the officers are substantiated.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
