The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested four officers over “unprofessional and ethnically insensitive” remarks made to a motorist during a roadside stop along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The Ondo State Police Command confirmed the development on Friday, following the circulation of a viral video showing one of the officers allegedly soliciting a bribe and making an ethnic comment after the driver refused to comply.

In the footage, the officer was heard repeatedly asking the motorist to leave the scene without stating any specific traffic offence. During the exchange, he remarked, “I just see that we are very close. If you were Igbo or another person, I would have just asked you to park…” while gesturing toward the roadside.

Speaking in Akure, the police spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, said officers involved had been taken into custody and a full investigation had commenced.

Jimoh explained that the probe followed a directive from the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, to determine the level of culpability and ensure appropriate disciplinary action.

He stressed that the command views the incident with “utmost seriousness,” noting that the police would not tolerate conduct capable of eroding public trust or promoting ethnic division.

The officers identified in the video, Elomore Sodayo, Adefila Adewale, Olorunfemi Opeyemi, and Odusola Peter, are all inspectors.

“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,” Jimoh said.

He assured Nigerians that the investigation would be conducted with fairness, transparency and accountability, adding that any officer found guilty would face disciplinary action in line with the law and established procedures.

The command reiterated its commitment to professional, intelligence-driven, and community-oriented policing, urging residents to remain law-abiding and report cases of misconduct through appropriate complaint channels.