ETHNIC STORM! "I Would Have Slapped You and Detained You If You Were Igbo" — Igbo Leaders Visit Ondo Police Commissioner After Viral Video Sparks Nationwide Outrage
A routine stop-and-search operation in Ondo State has triggered nationwide outrage after a viral video showed a police officer telling a motorist, "I would have slapped you and detained you if you were Igbo."
The remark, captured during a heated confrontation along the Lagos–Benin Expressway, has reignited conversations about ethnic profiling, police conduct and equal treatment of all Nigerians before the law.
In a dramatic turn of events, leaders of the Igbo community in Ondo State, under the umbrella of the Non-Indigenes Assembly, paid a solidarity visit to the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, at the State Police Headquarters in Akure.
The delegation commended the Ondo State Police Command for its swift response after the video went viral, describing the action as a demonstration of professionalism, transparency and accountability.
The incident involved a motorist, reportedly a United Kingdom returnee, who accused the officers of attempting to extort him and profiling him because of his ethnic background during the stop-and-search operation.
Following the public outcry, the Ondo State Police Command identified and arrested the four officers captured in the video—ASP Elomore Sodayo, Inspector Adefila Adewale, Inspector Olorunfemi Opeyemi and Inspector Odusola Peter. The Commissioner of Police immediately ordered a comprehensive investigation and disciplinary proceedings.
During the visit, the President of the Non-Indigenes Assembly, Mr Okita Onahi, accompanied by the Secretary, Uche Anthony, and other members, praised the command for responding promptly and professionally.
According to the delegation, the police intervention has strengthened the confidence of the Igbo community and other non-indigenes in Ondo State that justice will be served fairly and without ethnic bias.
Responding, Commissioner of Police Felix Ohagwu thanked the delegation for the visit and reaffirmed that every resident of Ondo State deserves equal protection under the law, regardless of ethnicity, religion or place of origin.
He assured the public that the investigation would be conducted without fear or favour and that any officer found culpable would face disciplinary action in accordance with the regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Commissioner also urged residents to remain peaceful, avoid inflammatory comments capable of creating ethnic tension and continue cooperating with the police by providing credible information to enhance security across the state.
The outcome of the disciplinary investigation is now being awaited by many Nigerians, who hope the case will reinforce professionalism, accountability and equal treatment of every citizen, irrespective of ethnic background.
