Four Ondo Police Officers Arrested Over Viral Ethnic Bias Video

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

The incident, which sparked widespread outrage on social media, involved a heated exchange between the officers and a motorist reportedly returning from the United Kingdom. In the video, the motorist accused the officers of intimidation, ethnic profiling, and attempted extortion, while one of the officers allegedly suggested he would have been detained if he were of Igbo ethnicity.  

Reacting to the development, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ondo State, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the officers were arrested on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu. He identified them as ASP Elomore Sodayo, Inspector Adefila Adewale, Inspector Olorunfemi Opeyemi, and Inspector Odusola Peter.  

According to the police, a comprehensive investigation has been ordered to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and the level of culpability of each officer.

The Command reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force does not condone misconduct, incivility, or actions capable of promoting ethnic division or eroding public confidence. It assured Nigerians that any officer found guilty would face disciplinary action in accordance with established procedures.