Members of the Igbo community in Ondo State visited the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, after a video went viral. The video showed police officers making inappropriate comments to a motorist during a stop-and-search operation on the Lagos-Benin Expressway.
The group, part of the Non-Indigenes Assembly, Ondo State Chapter, went to the State Police Headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure. They wanted to commend the police for their quick and professional response to the situation.
PUNCH Online reported that the Ondo State Police Command arrested four officers seen in the viral video. This happened after many people on social media expressed anger over claims of ethnic bias and unprofessional behavior.
The video showed a tense exchange between the officers and a motorist, who is said to be a returnee from the United Kingdom. The motorist accused the officers of trying to extort money from him and profiling him because of his ethnicity.
During the argument, one officer allegedly said the driver would have been arrested if he was Igbo. This remark drew a lot of backlash from Nigerians.
On Monday, Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, stated that the Igbo delegation was led by Mr. Okita Onahi, the President of the Non-Indigenes Assembly. He was joined by the Secretary, Uche Anthony, and other members.
According to the police, the visit was in response to "the recent viral video involving some police officers on stop-and-search duty along the Lagos-Benin Expressway."
The police said the delegation thanked the Commissioner for quickly ordering a full investigation into the incident. They described this action as a sign of transparency and accountability.
"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 said.
During the visit, Onahi and Anthony praised the police for identifying the officers involved and starting disciplinary actions against them. They said the command's quick response showed professionalism and fairness.
“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.
The delegation mentioned that the police's timely actions had boosted the confidence of the Igbo community and other non-indigenes in the police's fairness.
“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.
Ohagwu thanked the group for their visit and confirmed the police's commitment to fairness and protecting the rights of everyone, no matter their background.
He assured them that the ongoing investigation would be fair. The statement said 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."
Ohagwu emphasized 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."
He urged the public to stay peaceful, avoid making divisive statements and help the police by sharing useful information for better safety.
"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.
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.
The police said the Commissioner immediately ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. They stressed 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."
The police also assured the public that the investigation would be fair and transparent. They added that any officer found guilty would face proper disciplinary action according to police regulations.
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