Old Ekiti Police Video Resurfaces, Reigniting Questions Over Officer's Conduct

An unsettling video showing a Nigerian police officer behaving erratically in public has resurfaced online, bringing fresh attention to an incident that previously triggered disciplinary action within the Nigeria Police Force.

The footage, which was originally recorded in Ikole-Ekiti on May 9, 2026, shows a police sergeant in camouflage uniform behaving unusually in a public area.

The video has once again generated reactions on social media, with many users questioning how an officer could have found himself in such a condition while wearing the police uniform.

However, unlike some posts suggesting the incident is new, the footage is months old and authorities have already concluded their investigation.

What the Viral Video Showed

The footage showed the officer holding onto a bench and behaving erratically before eventually rolling on the ground.

Passersby gathered around the scene as the unusual behaviour attracted attention.

The video quickly spread across social media in May, prompting widespread speculation about what could have caused the officer's condition.

Some social-media users alleged at the time that the officer was under the influence of drugs, although that claim had not initially been established when the video first emerged.

Police Quickly Identified the Officer

Following the circulation of the footage, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed that the individual was a sergeant attached to the Ikole-Ekiti Divisional Police Headquarters.

The officer was taken into custody while the Ekiti State Police Command began disciplinary proceedings.

The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti, Falade Adegoroye Michael, ordered medical and psychological evaluations to determine what had happened and whether any underlying health concerns were involved.

The Inspector-General of Police at the time, Olatunji Disu, also condemned the behaviour, describing it as inconsistent with the discipline and professionalism expected from police personnel.

Investigation Produced a Different Picture

The case did not end with the viral video.

According to the Ekiti State Police Command, the officer was subjected to both medical and psychological examinations.

The psychological assessment reportedly found him emotionally stable.

However, the medical examination detected tobacco and amphetamine in his system, according to the police.

Authorities further said the officer admitted during subsequent questioning that he had taken illicit substances.

The Command subsequently concluded its disciplinary proceedings and found him culpable of misconduct.

Sergeant Was Dismissed

On May 15, the Ekiti State Police Command announced that Sergeant Osayingbemi Temitope had been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force.

The Command said the recommendation for dismissal had been upheld and took immediate effect.

Police authorities also reiterated that the Force would not tolerate indiscipline, unprofessional conduct or behaviour capable of damaging public confidence in the institution.

The development effectively brought the official disciplinary process surrounding the viral incident to a close.

Why Is the Video Trending Again?

The renewed circulation of the footage demonstrates how quickly old videos can return to public attention on platforms such as X.

When an old clip is reposted without its original date or context, users can easily assume they are witnessing a fresh incident.

That appears particularly important in this case because the police investigation, medical assessment and disciplinary proceedings have already taken place.

The video may be trending again, but the underlying incident is not new.

Social Media Reactions

The resurfacing has nevertheless reopened the debate about police professionalism.

Some Nigerians have argued that incidents involving officers behaving improperly can damage public confidence in the entire institution.

Others have focused on the Force's response, saying the decision to investigate, test and ultimately dismiss the officer demonstrates that misconduct can attract consequences.

There have also been calls for stronger welfare and mental-health support for police personnel, although the police's reported findings in this particular case pointed to illicit substance use rather than a psychological disorder.

A Bigger Problem for the Police

The incident also highlights the enormous responsibility carried by officers who wear the police uniform.

Police officers are expected to exercise judgment, restraint and professionalism, often under difficult conditions.

When an officer is publicly seen behaving in a manner that appears completely inconsistent with those expectations, the damage can extend beyond the individual involved.

It can affect how citizens perceive the institution as a whole.

That is why disciplinary procedures are important when serious misconduct occurs.

The Importance of Context

The latest wave of posts also serves as a reminder that viral content needs context.

A video can be authentic and still be misleading if the date, location or outcome is omitted.

In this case, the footage is genuine, but presenting it as a new incident would leave out a significant part of the story: the officer was identified, investigated and dismissed months ago.

That distinction is particularly important when the subject involves law enforcement and public safety.

The Bottom Line

The resurfaced Ekiti police video has once again captured Nigerians' attention, but the incident behind the footage is not new.

The officer, identified as Sergeant Osayingbemi Temitope, was investigated after the May 9 incident and was subsequently dismissed after the Ekiti State Police Command said medical tests detected tobacco and amphetamine and that he admitted taking illicit substances.

The renewed attention nevertheless raises an important question about police professionalism and accountability.

And perhaps the biggest lesson from the episode is one that applies far beyond this particular case: when an old video suddenly goes viral again, the date of the footage can be just as important as what the footage shows.