Outrage as Viral Video Shows Police Officer Allegedly Making Ethnic Remark During Stop-and-Search

A viral video showing a police officer allegedly making an ethnic remark during a routine stop-and-search operation has sparked widespread condemnation, with Nigerians calling for an investigation into the officer’s conduct.

The incident reportedly occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, where a motorist, said to be a United Kingdom returnee, was stopped at a police checkpoint and asked to present his vehicle documents.

According to the video circulating on social media, the driver presented his vehicle registration papers, customs documents and driver’s licence for inspection.

After reviewing the documents, the officer reportedly returned the vehicle papers but retained the driver’s licence while asking the motorist to “go and do better things.” When the driver responded that he had no money, the officer allegedly requested the waybill for the luggage in the vehicle.

The controversy escalated when the officer allegedly remarked: “I just see that we are very close. If you were Igbo or another person, I would have just…” before gesturing toward the roadside, an apparent reference to detaining the motorist.

The video has since generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians describing the comment as discriminatory and inconsistent with the Nigeria Police Force’s responsibility to protect all citizens without bias.

Human rights lawyer Aloy Ejimakor called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to investigate the incident, arguing that the alleged remark amounted to ethnic profiling and could undermine public confidence in law enforcement.

Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, also criticised the incident, questioning the conduct of armed officers entrusted with public safety.

Other social media users described the alleged statement as evidence of ethnic prejudice and urged the police authorities to take disciplinary action if the officer is found to have acted improperly.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official statement on the incident or confirmed whether an investigation had been launched.

The viral video has renewed public debate over professionalism, accountability and respect for citizens’ rights during police stop-and-search operations across the country.