Lagos police move against inspector over viral political remarks

The Police Command in Lagos State has identified the police inspector seen in a viral video making inappropriate remarks while travelling in public transport.

The command also said it had begun disciplinary proceedings against the officer in line with the established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

Adebisi said the command was committed to transparency and accountability and would not condone conduct capable of bringing the NPF into disrepute.

She said the statements made by the inspector were made in his personal capacity and did not represent the position, views or official disposition of the command or the NPF.

The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Mr Fatai Tijani, reiterated the need for professionalism, civility and discipline among 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 spokesperson said the command remained committed to transparency, accountability and policing with humility and integrity.

In a viral video circulating on social media, the inspector was seen and heard making political and ethnic remarks about former Anambra governor and presidential candidate, Peter Obi, while aboard a public transport.

The inspector was also heard making claims about Obi’s suitability for the presidency and alleging that he was a criminal and a “Yahoo” person.

He further suggested that President Bola Tinubu would use his financial resources to defeat Obi in an election, while claiming that an Igbo man could not become president of Nigeria.