LAGOS, Nigeria — The Lagos State Police Command has begun disciplinary proceedings against an inspector who was recorded making ethnic and political remarks about Peter Obi, the Igbo people, and Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
The command identified the officer as Inspector Osumah Frank in a statement issued on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Frank, who was wearing his police uniform while travelling in a public vehicle, was recorded saying that an Igbo person could not become president of Nigeria and dismissing Obi’s prospects in the 2027 election.
He also discussed President Bola Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Punch reported that Frank was heard suggesting that police officers could collect money to frustrate a political candidate’s chances.
The Lagos command described the remarks as “careless, inappropriate and uncultured” and said they did not reflect the views of the police.
“The Command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement said.
It added that Frank’s comments “were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.”
The police did not disclose what specific disciplinary measures Frank faces.
Commissioner Warns Officers on Conduct
Lagos Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai said officers were required to remain professional and respectful in their dealings with the public.
“All personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times,” the command quoted him as saying.
Fatai said wearing a police uniform carried a responsibility to protect the dignity and integrity of the force and warned that conduct capable of damaging public confidence would not be tolerated.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported Frank was also heard making allegations about Obi’s character.
The police statement itself did not reproduce the officer’s individual political or ethnic comments.
The disciplinary action comes days after Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu warned officers against political partisanship ahead of the 2027 general election.
Speaking at a conference of senior police officers in Owerri on September 21, Disu said personnel who colluded with politicians or abused their authority during the electoral process would face investigation and sanctions.
The Lagos command said it remained committed to transparency, accountability, and professional policing.
