Comedian Cute Abiola may be prosecuted for disrespecting police uniform – NPF
The Nigeria Police Force has condemned an abuse of its uniform by a popular comedian, Cute Abiola, saying that the comedian might be prosecuted for the act.
The comedian, Abdulgafar Abiola, had in two recent skits posted on his social media handles worn police uniforms, asking commuters for a bribe.
Condemning the act, Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Thursday, said the comedian would be prosecuted for “a highly disrespectful and derogatory portrayal of the police uniform”.
The police spokesperson recalled that the NPF had already warned skit makers and filmmakers to desist from desecrating its uniform or accouterments.
The statement said: “Abdulgafar Abiola 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 accouterments.”
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“In as much as the law grants Nigerians the right to enjoy their fundamental human rights, the same law prohibits an individual, under whatever guise, from rubbishing the police institution or grossly violating its provisions with regards to the use of uniforms.
“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.
“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,” Mr Adejobi stressed.
While emphasizing its commitment to upholding the sanctity of the uniform, the police called on Nigerians to exercise their freedom of expression responsibly and avoid engaging in actions that could erode public trust in the police force.
“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,” the statement added.
