Four Ondo Police Officers Arrested Over Viral Stop-and-Search Video
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four police officers seen 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 were arrested following public outrage over the incident, which circulated widely on social media on Friday. The command also confirmed that the officers have been placed under investigation.
The viral video captured a heated exchange between the officers and a motorist, reportedly 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. One of the officers was also heard suggesting that the motorist would have been detained if he were of Igbo ethnicity.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many Nigerians demanding disciplinary action against the officers.
Speaking with journalists in Akure on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the officers were identified and 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.
Jimoh said the Commissioner of Police had ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the level of culpability of each officer involved.
He reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined and professional institution that does not condone misconduct, incivility or actions capable of undermining public confidence, promoting ethnic division or bringing the Force into disrepute.
According to him, police officers are expected to conduct themselves professionally, respect human dignity and operate in strict compliance with the Force's Code of Conduct and Standard Operating Procedures.
Jimoh assured members of the public that the investigation would be guided by fairness, transparency and accountability, adding that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary measures in line with the law and established procedures.
He also reaffirmed the Ondo State Police Command's commitment to professional, intelligence-driven and community-oriented policing, while urging residents to report cases of police misconduct through the appropriate complaint channels.
Watch video below.
Comments
Post a Comment