The Lagos State Police Command has commenced disciplinary action against Inspector Osumah Frank following the circulation of a viral video in which he made remarks against the former presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
The command confirmed that the disciplinary proceedings against the officer were triggered by the social media content, which has drawn widespread public attention.
In an official statement, the command clarified that the remarks made by Mr Frank were expressed in his personal capacity. The authorities emphasised that the views shared in the video do not represent the official position of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
Professional conduct and neutrality
The move to discipline the inspector follows concerns regarding the conduct of uniformed officers on social media platforms. In Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force is expected to maintain strict political neutrality to ensure public trust and impartiality in the execution of its duties.
The viral video featuring Inspector Frank has prompted discussions regarding the boundaries between an officer’s private opinions and their professional responsibilities. When officers engage in politically charged rhetoric online, it can create a perception of institutional bias, often necessitating swift administrative responses from command leadership to protect the reputation of the force.
While the specific disciplinary measures have not yet been finalised, the command’s response aims to address the fallout from the Inspector’s comments. The internal investigation will determine whether the officer violated specific codes of conduct regarding the use of social media and the maintenance of professional decorum while in service.
The Lagos State Police Command is expected to release further details once the internal inquiry into the Inspector’s conduct is concluded.
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