The Ondo State Police Command has arrested four police officers featured in a viral video that sparked public outrage after they allegedly made ethnically insensitive remarks to a motorist during a stop-and-search operation along the Lagos–Benin Expressway.

The officers are currently under investigation following widespread condemnation of the incident, which circulated across social media platforms on Friday.

Viral Confrontation Draws Public Backlash

The video showed a heated altercation between the officers and a motorist, reportedly a United Kingdom returnee, who questioned their attempt to search his vehicle.

During the exchange, the driver accused the officers of intimidation, attempted extortion and ethnic profiling. The situation escalated after one of the policemen allegedly remarked that the motorist would have been detained if he were of Igbo extraction.

The incident quickly generated reactions on X and other social media platforms, with many Nigerians demanding disciplinary measures against the officers involved.

Police Identify Officers, Launch Probe

Speaking to 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.

According to Jimoh, the officers are ASP Elomore Sodayo, Inspector Adefila Adewale, Inspector Olorunfemi Opeyemi, and Inspector Odusola Peter.

“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,” he said.

He added that the Commissioner of Police had ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish the level of responsibility of each officer involved.

Force Rejects Misconduct, Ethnic Division

Jimoh stressed that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to professionalism and would not tolerate misconduct or actions capable of damaging public trust or promoting ethnic division.

“The Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined and professional institution that does not condone any form of misconduct, incivility, or actions capable of undermining public confidence, promoting ethnic division, or bringing the Force into disrepute,” he said.

He added that officers are expected to carry out their duties with professionalism, respect for human dignity and strict adherence to the Force’s Code of Conduct and Standard Operating Procedures.

Command Promises Transparent Investigation

The police spokesperson assured the public that the investigation would be conducted fairly, transparently and without bias.

According to him, any officer found to have violated the ethics and operational standards of the Nigeria Police Force would face appropriate disciplinary measures in line with existing laws and internal procedures.

Jimoh also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led and community-oriented policing while encouraging residents to continue reporting cases of police misconduct through the appropriate complaint channels.