The Lagos State Police Command has identified an inspector captured in a viral video making derogatory remarks about former Anambra State governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and the Igbo people.
The command identified the officer as Inspector Osumah Frank and said disciplinary action had commenced against him in line with Nigeria Police Force regulations.
According to the police, the officer was recorded while travelling on public transport, where he made what the command described as careless, inappropriate and uncultured remarks.
In the viral video, the officer was heard saying an Igbo person could not become Nigeria’s President and making derogatory remarks about Obi.
He also commented on Obi’s age and the 2027 presidential election, claiming the race was between President Bola Tinubu and African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.
The officer further suggested that Obi should be removed from the presidential race.
Reacting on Friday, the Lagos Police Command said the officer’s comments were made in his personal capacity and did not represent the position of the 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 police 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.”
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, said police personnel were expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public while in uniform.