The Lagos State Police Command has identified the police inspector seen in a viral video making political and ethnic remarks about former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The command also said it had commenced disciplinary proceedings against the officer in accordance with the regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Lagos, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.
Adebisi said the command would not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute, stressing that the remarks made by the inspector were made in his personal capacity and did not represent the official position of the command or the Force.
She said the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, CP Fatai Tijani, had reiterated the importance of professionalism, civility and discipline among police personnel.
“CP Tijani reiterates that all personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times.
“He said wearing the police uniform came with the responsibility to uphold the integrity and reputation of the NPF.
“The CP warned that the command would not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the police.
“He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to accountability and maintaining professional standards among its personnel,” Adebisi said.
The police spokesperson added that the command remained committed to transparency, accountability and policing with humility and integrity.
In the video circulating on social media, the inspector, while aboard a public transport vehicle, was heard making political and ethnic comments concerning Obi and his presidential ambition.
The officer was also heard making unsubstantiated allegations about Obi, including claims that the former governor was a criminal and a “Yahoo” person.
He further made comments about President Bola Tinubu’s financial capacity in an election involving Obi and suggested that an Igbo man could not become president of Nigeria.
The remarks have generated reactions on social media, particularly because they were made by a serving police officer while in uniform.
Lagos Command’s decision to identify the officer and commence disciplinary proceedings comes amid its stated commitment to maintaining professional standards and public confidence in the Force.
