The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four police 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.
Drivetvnews gathered that the officers were also placed under investigation following widespread public outrage after the video circulated across social media platforms.
The footage showed a heated exchange between the officers and a motorist, said to be a United Kingdom returnee, who challenged their attempt to stop and search him. During the confrontation, the driver accused the officers of intimidation, ethnic profiling, and attempted extortion, while one officer allegedly remarked that the motorist would have been detained if he were of Igbo origin.
The incident sparked widespread criticism online, with many Nigerians demanding disciplinary action against the officers.
Speaking in Akure, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that the officers were 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.
According to the command, a comprehensive investigation has been ordered to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the level of responsibility of each officer involved.
The police reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force does not tolerate misconduct, incivility, or actions capable of promoting ethnic division or damaging public confidence in the institution.
The command assured the public that the investigation would be conducted fairly and transparently, adding that any officer found guilty of violating the Force’s code of conduct would face appropriate disciplinary measures.
Residents were also encouraged to continue reporting cases of police misconduct through official complaint channels.
