“If You Were Igbo, I Would Have Detained You” – Police Officer Says

A police officer has come under public scrutiny after allegedly threatening to arrest a Nigerian citizen simply because of his ethnicity during a stop-and-search encounter captured in a viral video.

The incident captured in a viral video involved a Nigerian who had just returned from the United Kingdom. According to accounts shared online, the traveler refused to offer a bribe to one of the officers conducting the stop-and-search.

Following the refusal, the officer allegedly began demanding receipts for every item the traveler was carrying, leading to a heated exchange.

In the video, the officer was heard making threatening remarks, including, “I will slap you! Are you okay?” He also stated, “If you were Igbo, I would have detained you.”

Reacting to the incident, human rights lawyer and counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Aloy Ejimakor, called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the matter.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ejimakor wrote:

“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 remarks constitute a hate crime that portends danger to all Igbos in Nigeria.”

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force has not issued an official statement regarding the viral video or the allegations against the officer.