Command Launches Investigation After Viral Stop-and-Search Footage Sparks Nationwide Outrage
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four police officers captured in a viral video making unprofessional and ethnically insensitive remarks to a motorist during a stop-and-search operation along the Lagos–Benin Expressway.
The officers, identified as ASP Elomore Sodayo, Inspector Adefila Adewale, Inspector Olorunfemi Opeyemi and Inspector Odusola Peter, were arrested on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, following widespread public condemnation of the incident.
The viral footage showed a heated confrontation between the officers and a motorist, reportedly a United Kingdom returnee, who accused the policemen of intimidation, ethnic profiling and attempted extortion. During the exchange, one of the officers allegedly made remarks suggesting that the motorist would have been detained if he belonged to a particular ethnic group.
The incident generated widespread criticism across social media, with many Nigerians calling for disciplinary action against the officers and demanding greater professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.
Addressing journalists in Akure, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that the officers had been arrested and placed under investigation.
According to the command, Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the level of culpability of each officer involved.
The police reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined and professional institution that does not tolerate misconduct, incivility or actions capable of promoting ethnic division or eroding public confidence in law enforcement.
The command assured the public that the outcome of the investigation would be guided by fairness, transparency and accountability, stressing that any officer found guilty would face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with established procedures.
The Ondo State Police Command also reaffirmed its commitment to professional, intelligence-driven and community-oriented policing while encouraging members of the public to continue reporting cases of police misconduct through official complaint channels.
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