A viral video of a police officer inspecting a motorist’s vehicle documents and saying he could have detained him “if he was Igbo or from any other tribe” has sparked widespread condemnation on social media.
In the video, the motorist, a UK returnee was stopped at a police checkpoint while driving on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to Akure. He presented his vehicle papers, including customs documents and his driver’s licence.
But the officer returned the vehicle papers but held on to the driver’s licence while telling the motorist to “go and do better things.” When the motorist said he had no money, the officer demanded for the waybill of his luggage.
The officer added: “I just see that we are very close. If you were Igbo or another person, I would have just…” — before gesturing toward the roadside.
The remark drew swift backlash online, with many calling for an investigation and disciplinary action.
On X, human rights lawyer @AloyEjimakor tagged the IGP: “Dear IGP Disu (@TunjiDisu1): Kindly investigate this incident where, during a stop & search, the policeman identified here allegedly said to a citizen: ‘If you were Igbo, I would’ve detained you’. Such remark constitutes a hate crime that portends danger to all Igbos in Nigeria.”
Former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Professor Chidi Odinkalu wrote: “..and these folks are uniformed & armed?!”
@Justice_Crack wrote: “Imagine the misconduct of the Nigeria Police Force. Not just misconduct, but tribalism as well.”
@Derah_Snr added: “Such tribal remarks from a police officer during a routine stop and search demand urgent investigation to protect every citizen’s dignity and safety.”
@KingByronX noted: “‘If you were Igbo…’ Statements like this don’t just offend one person. They quietly teach millions of Nigerians what to expect from the institutions meant to protect them.”
@BabaYagaSE also offered practical advice: “The bigotry and profiling aside, never hand over your original driver’s licence to the police. Always move around with a clear photocopy, preferably in colour.”
The Nigeria Police Force has not commented on the incident as of time of writing.
