The Nigerian police have issued a warning to popular prankster, Abdulgafar Abiola also known as ‘Cute Abiola’ over his contemptuous use of the force uniform in many of his videos.
The Police, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Olamuyiwa Adejobi on Thursday said the law prohibits any individual in what the force describes as “rubbishing” the police institution or grossly violating its provisions with regards to the use of uniforms.
Citing two recent skits produced by the comedian posted on his social media handles on the 20th and 24th of July, the Police said the video shows a highly disrespectful and derogatory portrayal of the police uniform.
According to the Police, Mr Abiola’s action is in direct violation of Section 251 of the Criminal Code and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law.
“Such acts are not only offensive but also undermine the integrity and dignity of the men and women who wear the uniform in service to the nation,” the Police said.
As a result, the Police said that Mr Abiola would be probed and “possibly prosecuted for his deliberate acts, as the NPF had already warned skit makers and filmmakers not to desecrate its uniform or accoutrements.”
The Force also assured that it is committed to protecting the sanctity of the uniform and will pursue legal action to guarantee responsibility for any individual or organisation that wants to bring the uniform or the institution it symbolises into discredit.
It also urged all members of the public, especially media figures, to use their free expression properly and to avoid actions that could undermine public trust in our treasured law enforcement institutions.
Mr Abiola, a former Naval personnel, was detained in 2021, for posting a video of himself in military uniform on social media, where he spent 10 days in detention in the Lagos state Naval base.