RismadarVoice Reporters, July 24, 2026
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.
The Command said the officers are currently under investigation following widespread public condemnation after the video circulated on social media.
The footage showed a confrontation between the officers and a motorist, reportedly a United Kingdom returnee, who challenged an attempt by the officers to stop and search his vehicle.
During the exchange, the driver accused the officers of intimidation, ethnic profiling and attempted extortion, while one of the policemen allegedly made comments suggesting the motorist would have been detained if he were of Igbo ethnicity.
The incident triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians demanding disciplinary action against the officers.
Addressing journalists in Akure on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, 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.
According to Jimoh, the Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the level of culpability of each officer.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Felix Ohagwu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the level of culpability of each officer involved,” he said.
Jimoh stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined institution that does not tolerate misconduct, incivility or actions capable of undermining public confidence or promoting ethnic division.
He noted that officers are expected to uphold professionalism, respect the dignity of citizens and operate strictly in line with the Force’s Code of Conduct and Standard Operating Procedures.
The police spokesperson assured the public that the investigation would be conducted with fairness, transparency and accountability, adding that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with the law.
He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven, community-oriented policing and urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of police misconduct through established complaint channels.
