The announcement by the Nigerian Police Force that it will prosecute comedian Cute Abiola for ‘rubbishing the Police uniform’ has drawn public condemnation.
Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the move followed the comedian’s two recent kits posted on his social media handles on July 20th and 24th.
Describing the comedian’s action as contemptuous, the police spokesman said the “skits in question show a highly disrespectful and derogatory portrayal of the police uniform”.
He stated that the act goes contrary to 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,” he explained.
“We, therefore, vehemently condemn the contemptuous act displayed by comedian Abdulgafar Abiola, popularly known as ‘Cute Abiola’ in two recent skits posted on his social media handles on 20th and 24th July 2023.
“The skits in question show a highly disrespectful and derogatory portrayal of the police uniform, an action that is in direct violation of Section 251 of the Criminal Code and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law.”
According to Adejobi, the comedian will be investigated and possibly prosecuted for his deliberate acts as the NPF had already warned skit makers and filmmakers to desist from desecrating its uniform or accoutrements.
“The Force is committed to upholding the sanctity of the uniform and will pursue due legal process to ensure accountability for any individual or entity that seeks to bring disrepute to the uniform or the institution it represents.
“We call on all members of the public, including media personalities, to exercise their freedom of expression responsibly and avoid engaging in actions that could erode public trust in our revered law enforcement institutions,” he added.
The comedian, a former Naval officer, was also arrested by the Nigerian Navy in 2021 for allegedly violating the armed forces’ social media policy but was given a punishment after he was tried for misconduct and indiscipline.
The news has since generated criticisms among Nigerians on social media:
On this case of Cute Abiola’s skit on “police uniform”, I disagree entirely with you.
The case is not as simple as the Force PRO wants the public to believe.
Skit is intended for entertainment.
Entertainers use military and police uniforms globally for their art and craft. https://t.co/XpcJJietbP
— Inibehe Effiong (@InibeheEffiong) July 28, 2023
Lol joke of the century, I have gone through the Police Act and I can’t find a single offence that Cuteabiola committed. Stop twisting interpretations of the law to suit your nonsense narrative. https://t.co/LNpXJMjGxk
— David Hundeyin PA (@iamdlaw2) July 28, 2023
Cute Abiola! If you are seeing this tweet, Ma fòyà, ma jaya. If they cough, sue them. Rubbish people. Is he not portraying what you people do. If you want the police to be represented in a good light, let the police act noble and responsible. Thieving and uncouth individuals pic.twitter.com/oOHELREOxn
— Protus protas✍️???????? (@Scripthesis) July 28, 2023
I just witnessed a scenario a few minutes ago that looked just like Cute Abiola's skit. Officers of the NPF were literally begging boys for money.
— Abu Hamzah (@TasleemOfx) July 28, 2023
Between the shameless police officers who accompanied Caramel to arrest and intimidate that lady and the Cute Abiola, who exactly is bringing disrepute to the Nigerian Police?
A question begging for an answer.
— FESTUS OGUN (@mrfestusogun) July 28, 2023
To be fair to the Nigerian Police Force, a warning had been issued about the use of police uniforms in skits and movies. The Cute Abiola clearly violated this rule by using a uniform that directly depicts the Nigerian Police uniform. He could have variated it to be safe.
— Sir David Onyemaizu???? (@SirDavidBent) July 27, 2023
Cute abiola told the story of Nigeria police, they got angry. The question is, did he lie? What he portrayed I the skit is what an average police do on the road, they should leave the fact that he used their uniform and face the reality.
— Linzkits… (@Linzkits_FC) July 28, 2023
