Four police personnel attached to the Nigeria police Command in Ondo State have been arrested and undergoing disciplinary action for alleged Igbo ethnic profile video during stop-and-search duty that has sparked outrage on social media.
The footage showed a heated confrontation between the officers and a motorist, reportedly a United Kingdom returnee, who challenged their attempt to stop and search him during Lagos–Benin Expressway incident.
During the exchange, the driver accused the officers of intimidation, ethnic profiling and attempting to extort him, while one of the policemen remarked: ‘I would have arrest you now if you’re Igbo’, depicting that the motorist would have been detained if he belonged to the Igbo tribe.
Accordingly, the verbal exchange, sparked widespread condemnation on X and other social media platforms, with many Nigerians calling for disciplinary action against the officers.
Briefing newsmen on Friday, pm he spokesman of the police Command in the State, DSP Abayomi Jimoh said on Friday, identified the police officers captured in the video 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 statement reads: “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 police spokesman said the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Felix Ohagwu, ordered a comprehensive investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the level of culpability of each officer involved.
“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.
Ithe police Command assured members of the public that the outcome of the investigation will be guided by the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability.
It also 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.
