The Delta State Police Command has arrested two men seen in a viral video brazenly smoking what appeared to be marijuana while seated on top of a police patrol van, in an incident that sparked public outrage across social media.
The suspects — Patrick Asini (34) and Tega Ojo (20) — were tracked and apprehended following the circulation of the controversial footage on X (formerly Twitter), where it was first posted by user @dammiedammie35.
In the now-viral clip, one of the young men is seen sitting atop a van clearly marked “Nigeria Police Force Anti-Crime Patrol, Oghara Division,” puffing smoke, while another voice in the background mocks police officers with profanities and gestures. The setting appeared to be a car wash.
“Tell them, f*** the cops, bro. Pass me some weed, man,” one voice says as the camera captures the other individual flashing a middle finger at an unseen officer.
The video drew swift condemnation online and caught the attention of Delta Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the arrest via his official X account on Thursday.
“The two suspects, Patrick Junior Asini, aged 34, and Tega Ojo, aged 20, in the video have been arrested,” Edafe stated. “The following exhibits were found in their possession.”
Items recovered from the suspects included a military-style khaki uniform, green beret, face mask, axe, cutlass, six smartphones, four laptops, quantities of weed, grinders, and Rizla rolling papers, which are commonly associated with drug use.
While announcing the arrest, Edafe also used the opportunity to appeal for more responsible public-police interaction:
“Police is your friend. It just depends on how you interpret it,” he wrote.
The arrest comes amid broader efforts by the Delta Police Command to crack down on drug-related offences and restore public confidence in law enforcement, especially in the wake of viral videos that appear to mock the integrity of the force.
Authorities have yet to confirm the specific charges that will be brought against the suspects, but sources within the command say they may face multiple counts including public misconduct, impersonation, and possession of illicit drugs.
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