The Ondo State Police Command has detained four of its officers over allegations of misconduct during a stop-and-search operation.
The police stated that the officers, Elomore Sodayo, Adefila Adewale, Olorunfemi Opeyemi and Odusola Peter are facing prosecution following the circulation of a viral video on social media allegedly showing them making unprofessional and ethnically insensitive remarks to a member of the public.
The incident, which has sparked public concern, prompting the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, to order a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the officers’ conduct and determine the level of culpability of each individual involved.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, who said that the Command had acted swiftly after identifying the officers featured in the video.
According to the statement, Jimoh directed that a thorough and impartial investigation be conducted to ensure accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.
The Command reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force is 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.
It stressed that police personnel are expected to conduct themselves professionally at all times, respect the dignity and rights of members of the public, and adhere strictly to the Force’s Code of Conduct and Standard Operating Procedures while carrying out their duties.
The statement further assured Nigerians that the outcome of the investigation would be guided by the principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability, adding that any officer found to have violated the ethics and standards of the Nigeria Police Force would face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with established regulations and the law.
Reaffirming its commitment to professional, intelligence-driven, and community-oriented policing, the Ondo State Police Command urged residents to remain law-abiding and continue supporting the police by reporting cases of misconduct through the Force’s established complaint channels.
The Command said it remains committed to building public trust by ensuring that officers who fall short of the expected standards of professionalism are held accountable for their actions.