Lagos Police begin disciplinary action against Inspector over ethnic, political remarks

The Lagos State Police Command has commenced disciplinary action against Inspector Osumah Frank following the circulation of a viral video in which the officer was seen making ethnic and political remarks while travelling in a public vehicle.

The Command confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, describing the officer’s comments as “careless, inappropriate and uncultured.”

In the video, Frank, who was wearing police uniform, was heard making comments concerning Igbo people and discussing the political activities and ambitions of several prominent Nigerian politicians, including former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, President Bola Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

The inspector was also heard making a remark suggesting that police officers could collect money to frustrate the political prospects of a candidate.

Reacting to the video, the Lagos Command said the comments were made in Frank’s personal capacity and did not represent the position, views or official disposition 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.

The Command did not disclose the specific disciplinary measures being taken against the inspector.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, stressed that police personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public.

He said wearing the police uniform carries a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Nigeria Police Force and warned that conduct capable of bringing the institution into disrepute or undermining public confidence would not be condoned.

The video reportedly began circulating widely on social media around September 23, attracting criticism over the officer’s remarks, particularly those relating to ethnicity and political activities.

The latest disciplinary action comes amid broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to address alleged misconduct by personnel captured in viral videos. In July, the Force announced disciplinary proceedings against four officers accused of making derogatory ethnic remarks and acting unprofessionally during a stop-and-search operation on the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

The Lagos Command said it remained committed to transparency, accountability and policing with humility and integrity.

Inspector Frank’s disciplinary process is expected to determine whether his conduct breached applicable police regulations and, if so, what sanctions may follow.