Ondo police arrested four officers over the viral stop and search video, and launched a full investigation

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four officers after a viral video showing them making allegedly ethnically charged statements during a stop and search operation sparked widespread public criticism on social media.

The incident, which reportedly occurred along the Lagos – Benin Expressway, involved a confrontation between officers and a motorist believed to be a Nigerian returning from the UK. The video, which circulated widely on Friday, showed tensions as the driver accused police of intimidation, ethnic profiling and attempts to blackmail him.

Public anger escalated after one of the officers was heard stating that the driver would have been arrested if he was from the Igbo ethnic group. The statement received strong condemnation from Nigerians, with many demanding disciplinary action against the officers involved.

Reacting to the controversy, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed that the officers had been identified, arrested and questioned following the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu.

Speaking to journalists in Akure, Friday, the National Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, revealed the identity of the officer.

He said, “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.

Accordingly, the Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the extent of culpability of each officer involved.

Jimoh stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to professionalism and will not condone any action that could undermine public trust or encourage ethnic division.

Also read: Nigerian-American engineer gets $7 million to launch world’s first braid-assisted robot

According to him, “The Nigerian Police Force is a disciplined and professional institution that does not condone any form of misconduct, incivility, or actions that could undermine public trust, encourage ethnic division, or embarrass the Police Force.

“Officers are expected to always behave professionally, respect human dignity, and comply with the Code of Ethics and Standard Operating Procedures.”

A police spokesperson assured the public that the investigation would be carried out impartially and in line with established disciplinary procedures, and promised that any officers found to have committed misconduct would face appropriate sanctions.

He added, “The Command assures the public that the results of the investigation will be guided by the principles of justice, transparency and accountability.

“Any officer found to be acting contrary to the ethics and standards of the Nigerian Police Force will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the law and established disciplinary procedures.”

Jimoh further reiterated the commitment of the Ondo State Police Command to intelligence-led, professional and community-oriented policing, while encouraging the public to continue reporting cases of police misconduct through the official Police complaint channel.