The Lagos State Police Command has started disciplinary proceedings against Inspector Osumah Frank, following a viral video of him making remarks about Peter Obi and the Igbo ethnic group. According to the police, Frank's comments were made in his personal capacity and do not reflect the official stance of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force. The video, which circulated on social media, shows Frank seated in a moving public transport vehicle discussing Obi's political ambition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
In the video, Frank reportedly stated that an Igbo person could not become President of Nigeria and that Obi would not win the 2027 presidential election. He also made other comments about Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and the Igbo ethnic group. The Lagos State Police Command identified Frank as the officer in the video and issued a statement through its spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The police command emphasized that Frank's statements were personal and did not represent the official position or views of the command or the Nigeria Police Force. According to the statement, "The command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force." The command also stressed that Frank would face disciplinary proceedings in accordance with established police regulations.
Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Tijani Fatai, highlighted the importance of professionalism among police officers. He stated that police officers are expected to maintain professionalism and treat members of the public with respect. Fatai also emphasized that wearing the police uniform carries a responsibility to protect the dignity and integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.
This incident is not the first time the police have taken disciplinary action against officers for conduct captured in videos circulated online. In April, the Police Complaint Response Unit identified, queried, and detained a Lagos police officer after a video allegedly showed him collecting N10,000 from a motorist. In July, the police took action after another video showed officers on the Lagos-Benin Expressway making derogatory remarks.
The Nigeria Police Force has maintained that members of the public are not prohibited from recording police officers while they perform their duties in public. However, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has cautioned against the misuse of such recordings. The latest disciplinary action against Frank highlights the conduct expected of police officers while in uniform, particularly when expressing personal views in public.
The Lagos command reiterated that the disciplinary process against Frank will be handled in accordance with the established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force. The police have not provided further details on the specific remarks made by Frank or the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings. The incident has sparked discussions about the role of police officers in maintaining professionalism and upholding the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.
Key points
- The Lagos State Police Command has commenced disciplinary action against Inspector Osumah Frank for his remarks on Peter Obi and the Igbo ethnic group.
- The police command emphasized that Frank's statements were personal and did not represent the official position or views of the command or the Nigeria Police Force.
- The incident highlights the importance of professionalism among police officers and the need to maintain the dignity and integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.
