Ondo Police Arrest Four Officers Over Viral Stop-and-Search Video, Probe Ethnic Remark

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four police officers captured in a viral social media video allegedly making ethnically insensitive remarks and engaging in unprofessional conduct during a stop-and-search operation on the Lagos–Benin Expressway.

The officers came under public scrutiny after a video circulated online showing a confrontation with a motorist who identified himself as a United Kingdom returnee. The motorist accused the officers of demanding a bribe, unlawfully withholding his driver's licence and making discriminatory comments.

Addressing journalists in Akure on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed that the officers had been identified and taken into custody pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

The officers were identified as ASP Elomore Sodayo (AP/No. 207454), Inspector Adefila Adewale (AP/No. 332012), Inspector Olorunfemi Opeyemi (AP/No. 332449) and Inspector Odusola Peter (AP/No. 332369).

Abayomi said the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident to establish the circumstances surrounding the officers conduct and determine the level of culpability of each officer involved.

According to him, the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to professionalism and will not condone misconduct capable of eroding public confidence or promoting ethnic division.

"The Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined and professional institution that does not tolerate misconduct, incivility, or any action capable of undermining public confidence, promoting ethnic division, or bringing the Force into disrepute," Abayomi said.

He added that officers are expected to conduct themselves professionally, respect the rights and dignity of members of the public and comply with the Force's Code of Conduct and Standard Operating Procedures.

"The Command assures members of the public that the outcome of the investigation will be guided by the principles of fairness, transparency and accountability.

"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."

According to the motorist, the incident occurred after he was stopped at a police checkpoint and presented his vehicle documents and driver's licence for inspection.

He alleged that although the officers returned his vehicle documents, they withheld his driver's licence.

The motorist further claimed that one of the officers demanded money, but he declined, insisting he had committed no offence and urging the officer to carry out his lawful duties rather than seek a bribe.

Following his refusal, the officer allegedly demanded a waybill for his luggage and repeatedly instructed him to leave the checkpoint without citing any traffic offence.

One of the most controversial moments in the video showed an officer allegedly saying:

"I just see that we are very close. If you were Igbo or another person, I'd have asked you to park..."

The remark triggered widespread condemnation on social media, with many Nigerians describing it as discriminatory and calling for disciplinary action against the officers.

The Ondo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to professional, intelligence-driven and community-oriented policing.

Abayomi encouraged residents to continue reporting cases of police misconduct through the command's official complaint channels while assuring the public that all complaints would be investigated.

He also urged members of the public to use the command's official communication platforms for complaints, enquiries and other policing-related matters.