The Lagos State Police Command has identified and commenced disciplinary action against an inspector featured in a viral video. The officer, Osumah Frank, made remarks about Peter Obi's 2027 presidential ambition while traveling in a public transport vehicle. The command's spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, posted a statement on Friday confirming the identification and disciplinary action. The statement emphasized that Frank's remarks were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.
In the viral video, Inspector Frank made comments about Peter Obi, a candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and the Igbo ethnic group. He stated that an Igbo person could not become president of Nigeria and that Obi would not win the 2027 presidential election. The Lagos State Command did not provide details of the remarks but stressed that Frank's statements were personal and not representative of the police force.
The Lagos State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to upholding professionalism and respect for members of the public. Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, emphasized that officers are expected to maintain professionalism and treat members of the public with respect. He noted that wearing the police uniform carries a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the force.
This is not the first case of disciplinary action taken against a police officer for alleged misconduct captured on video. In April, a Lagos police officer was identified, queried, and detained after a video allegedly showed him collecting N10,000 from a motorist. In July, the Nigeria Police Force ordered an investigation after a video showed officers on the Lagos-Benin Expressway making derogatory remarks.
The Nigeria Police Force has clarified that members of the public are not prohibited from recording police officers while they perform their duties in public. The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has also stated that he is not opposed to such recordings but cautioned against their misuse. The force has emphasized its commitment to taking disciplinary action against officers found to have engaged in misconduct.
The disciplinary action against Inspector Frank is in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force. The command has stressed that Frank will face disciplinary proceedings in accordance with police regulations. The incident has sparked concerns about the conduct of police officers and the need for them to maintain professionalism in their interactions with the public.
The Lagos State Police Command has urged the public to report any instances of misconduct by police officers. The command has also emphasized its commitment to taking disciplinary action against officers found to have engaged in misconduct. The incident has highlighted the need for police officers to be mindful of their conduct and to uphold the dignity and integrity of the force.
Key points
- The Lagos State Police Command has commenced disciplinary action against Inspector Osumah Frank for remarks made in a viral video.
- The command has emphasized that Frank's statements were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.
- The incident has sparked concerns about the conduct of police officers and the need for them to maintain professionalism in their interactions with the public.
