The Lagos State Police Command has identified the inspector captured in a viral video making political and ethnic remarks about the 2027 presidential race as Inspector Osumah Frank.
The Command has also commenced disciplinary action against the officer, who was videoed in police uniform while travelling in a public transport vehicle.
Frank attracted attention after a video circulated on social media showing him discussing the political ambitions of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.
In the footage, the inspector questioned Obi’s chances of becoming President and made comments linking the former Anambra State governor’s candidacy to his Igbo identity.
He was heard saying that Obi could not become president and that an Igbo person could not occupy the office. He also suggested that Obi should be excluded from the presidential contest, while describing a Tinubu-Atiku contest as preferable.
The officer further made a claim that, even if Obi won the election, money could be used to prevent him from assuming office. The remarks prompted criticism because they were made by a serving police officer who was visibly wearing the uniform of the Force.
The video also contained derogatory remarks directed at Obi, with the inspector questioning his suitability for the presidency and making references to allegations involving rituals and internet fraud. Those claims were presented by the officer in the video and have not been established by the Lagos Police Command as facts.
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The controversy comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 general elections, making statements by public officials and security personnel subject to heightened scrutiny.
Confirming the development on Friday, the Lagos State Police Command said the officer had been identified as Inspector Osumah Frank.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Command described the remarks as “careless, inappropriate and uncultured”.
“The Command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement said.
The police also made a distinction between Frank’s comments and the official position of the institution.
It stated that the remarks were made in his personal capacity and did not represent the position, views or official disposition of either the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.
The clarification is significant because the officer was speaking while wearing police uniform, which could lead viewers to associate his comments with the institution.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, consequently restated the standards expected of police personnel.
The Commissioner said officers must demonstrate professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times.
He also stressed the responsibility attached to wearing the police uniform, saying it carries an obligation to protect the dignity and integrity of the Force.
The Command declared that it would not condone conduct capable of bringing the police into disrepute or weakening public confidence in the institution.
“The Command will not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Police,” the statement said.
The disciplinary process announced by the Command means the matter will now be handled under the established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force. The Command did not disclose the specific sanction being considered or whether a final disciplinary decision had been reached.
The episode also highlights the sensitivity surrounding political expression by serving security personnel. Police officers are expected to carry out their duties as representatives of a public institution, while political statements made in uniform can create questions about neutrality and institutional credibility.
The Lagos Command, however, did not adopt or endorse any of the political positions expressed by Frank. Instead, it expressly separated his comments from the official position of the Force and announced disciplinary proceedings over his conduct.
The Command said it was committed to transparency and accountability, adding that policing should be conducted with humility and integrity.
The statement was issued on September 25, 2026, by SP Abimbola Adebisi, Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Ikeja.
