Igbo community visits Ondo CP after viral ethnic bias video

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Members of the Igbo community in Ondo State have paid a solidarity visit to the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, after a viral video showed police officers making ethnically insensitive remarks to a motorist during a stop-and-search operation along the Lagos–Benin Expressway.

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The delegation, under the umbrella of the Non-Indigenes Assembly, Ondo State Chapter, visited the State Police Headquarters, Alagbaka, Akure, to commend the police command for what it described as a swift, transparent and professional response to the incident.

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PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the Ondo State Police Command arrested four officers captured in the viral video after it generated outrage on social media over allegations of ethnic bias, intimidation and unprofessional conduct.

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The footage showed a heated exchange between the officers and a motorist, reportedly a United Kingdom returnee, who accused them of attempting to extort him and profiling him based on ethnicity.

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During the confrontation, one of the officers allegedly remarked that the driver would have been detained if he had been Igbo, triggering widespread condemnation from Nigerians.

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In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, said the delegation was led by the President of the Non-Indigenes Assembly, Mr Okita Onahi, alongside the Secretary, Uche Anthony, and other members.

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According to the police, the visit followed “the recent viral video involving some police officers on stop-and-search duty along the Lagos–Benin Expressway.”

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The command said the delegation appreciated the Commissioner of Police for his prompt directive ordering a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

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“The delegation expressed appreciation to the Commissioner of Police for his swift response in ordering a comprehensive investigation into the incident, describing the action as a demonstration of transparency, accountability and the Command’s commitment to justice,” the statement read.

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Speaking during the visit, Onahi and Anthony commended the command for promptly identifying the officers involved and commencing disciplinary procedures.

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“They described the Command’s swift intervention as a demonstration of professionalism, transparency and accountability, expressing confidence that the investigation would be impartial and conducted in accordance with the disciplinary procedures of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement added.

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The delegation further noted that the command’s prompt intervention had strengthened the confidence of the Igbo community and other non-indigenes in the fairness and impartiality of the police.

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“They further noted that the prompt response had strengthened the confidence of the Igbo Community and other Non-indigenes in the fairness and impartiality of the Command,” the statement stated.

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Responding, Ohagwu thanked the delegation for the visit and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to professionalism, fairness and the protection of the rights of every resident, irrespective of ethnic background or place of origin.

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The commissioner also assured the delegation that the ongoing investigation would be handled objectively.

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According to the statement, he reiterated “that the ongoing investigation would be conducted without fear or favour” and assured the delegation “that any officer found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law and the disciplinary regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.”

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Ohagwu further stressed that the Ondo State Police Command “remains committed to fostering harmonious relationships among all residents of the state, irrespective of ethnic, religious, or cultural affiliations.”

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He urged members of the public to remain peaceful, refrain from making inflammatory comments capable of creating disunity and continue cooperating with the police by providing credible information to enhance public safety.

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“The Ondo State Police Command appreciates the confidence reposed in it and reassures all residents that it will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, accountability and community-oriented policing,” the statement concluded.

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Last Friday, the police command announced the arrest of ASP Elomore Sodayo, Inspector Adefila Adewale, Inspector Olorunfemi Opeyemi and Inspector Odusola Peter after they were identified in the viral video.

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The command said the Commissioner of Police immediately ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, stressing that the Nigeria Police Force “does not condone any form of misconduct, incivility, or actions capable of undermining public confidence, promoting ethnic division, or bringing the Force into disrepute.”

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It also assured the public that the outcome of the investigation would be guided by fairness, transparency and accountability, adding that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with the regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

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