Lagos Police: Nigeria Police Inspector Osumah Frank Faces Discipline Over Remarks

• The Lagos State Police Command has initiated disciplinary action against Inspector Osumah Frank over controversial remarks made in a viral video.
• Inspector Frank, in uniform, made comments about Igbo people, political figures, and suggested police could take money to hinder political candidates.
• The Command clarified that Frank's statements were personal and do not represent the official views of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.
• Commissioner CP Tijani Fatai emphasized the necessity for all police personnel to maintain professionalism, civility, and respect for the public.
• The specific disciplinary measures against Inspector Frank have not been publicly disclosed.

The Command confirmed that appropriate disciplinary action has commenced against Inspector Frank, aligning with the established regulations governing the Nigeria Police Force.

The Lagos State Police Command has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Inspector Osumah Frank following the widespread circulation of a video depicting him making contentious statements. The incident, which garnered significant public attention after the video began circulating on social media around September 23, showed Inspector Frank, dressed in his official police uniform, articulating remarks that the Command later characterized as "careless, inappropriate and uncultured."

The video captured Inspector Frank, while traveling in a public vehicle, making comments concerning Igbo people and engaging in discussions about the political aspirations of Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State. His remarks also touched upon President Bola Tinubu and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. Furthermore, the inspector was heard suggesting that police officers might accept money to impede a political candidate's electoral prospects, raising serious concerns about police officer political neutrality Nigeria.

In response to the viral footage, the Lagos State Police Command swiftly issued a statement on Friday, September 25, 2026, signed by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi. The statement unequivocally clarified that Inspector Frank's comments were made in his personal capacity and did not reflect the official stance, views, or disposition of either the Lagos State Police Command or the broader Nigeria Police Force. This immediate distancing underscores the gravity with which the Command views such unauthorized public pronouncements.

The Command confirmed that appropriate disciplinary action has commenced against Inspector Frank, aligning with the established regulations governing the Nigeria Police Force. While the specific measures being taken were not detailed, the initiation of proceedings highlights the Lagos Police ethnic remarks disciplinary action as a serious matter, emphasizing the force's commitment to addressing conduct that deviates from its professional standards.

Commissioner of Police for the Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, reinforced the institutional expectations for all police personnel. He stressed the imperative for officers to consistently uphold professionalism, civility, and discipline, alongside demonstrating respect for members of the public. CP Fatai underscored that wearing the police uniform carries a profound responsibility to maintain the dignity and integrity of the Force, a principle central to the Nigeria Police Force professional conduct guidelines.

CP Fatai explicitly stated that the Command would not tolerate any behavior capable of bringing the police into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the institution. The Command further reaffirmed its dedication to transparency, accountability, and a policing approach characterized by humility and integrity, signaling a clear message regarding police misconduct regulations Nigeria and the consequences for violating them.

This development highlights the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to enforcing professional conduct and political neutrality among its officers, particularly concerning public statements. Lawyers advising clients on police interactions or representing officers in disciplinary proceedings should note the NPF's strict stance against conduct that could undermine public confidence or bring the force into disrepute.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH