Police authorities in Lagos State have started disciplinary action against an inspector who was caught on camera making controversial statements against the Igbo tribe while travelling in a public vehicle.
A statement issued on Friday by the command’s spokesman, SP Abimbola Adebisi, named the erring officer as Inspector Osumah Frank.
Abimbola described his remarks as “careless, inappropriate and uncultured remarks”.
In the video, Frank, who was in police uniform, was heard making remarks about Igbo people and discussing the political ambitions of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi.
He also made comments involving President Bola Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
The inspector was further heard suggesting that police officers could collect money to frustrate a political candidate’s chances of succeeding.
While reacting to the video, the Command said the officer’s remarks were made in his personal capacity and did not represent the position or views of either the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.
“The Command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement said.
“It also wishes to make it clear that the statements made by the officer were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force,” it added.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, said police personnel were required to maintain professionalism and respect for members of the public at all times.
“All personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times,” the statement quoted Fatai as saying.
He said wearing the police uniform came with a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Force, adding that the Command would not condone any conduct capable of bringing the police into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Force.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and “policing with humility and integrity.”
However, the police did not state the specific disciplinary measures being taken against Frank.
