NEWS
Police Arrest Inspector, Osumah Frank, Over Viral Video Declaring Peter Obi, Igbo Presidency Impossible
The Lagos State Police Command has identified and arrested a police inspector seen in a viral video making politically charged and ethnically directed remarks about the presidential ambitions of Peter Obi and people of South-East extraction.
The officer, identified as Inspector Osumah Frank, was reportedly travelling in a commercial bus when he was captured on video making comments that no Igbo person could become President of Nigeria.
In the footage, the inspector also reportedly expressed support for President Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as persons suitable to occupy the nation’s highest political office, while making other disparaging remarks about people from the South-East.
The development has now triggered disciplinary action by the Lagos State Police Command, which said the officer had been arrested in line with its commitment to transparency and accountability.
In a statement issued on Friday, September 25, 2026, the Command’s spokesperson, Adebisi Abimbola, described the officer’s remarks as careless, inappropriate and uncultured.
She explained that the statements were made in Inspector Osumah’s personal capacity and did not represent the official position, views or disposition of either the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.
The Command further confirmed that appropriate disciplinary procedures had commenced against the inspector in accordance with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.
The action comes amid renewed public attention to the conduct of security personnel on political and ethnic issues, particularly as Nigeria approaches another election cycle.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, stressed that police personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times.
The Commissioner also underscored the responsibility that comes with wearing the police uniform, noting that officers are expected to protect the dignity and integrity of the Force.
According to the Command, conduct capable of damaging the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force or undermining public confidence in the institution would not be tolerated.
The police authority reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability and policing with humility and integrity, as the disciplinary process against Inspector Osumah continues.