The Nigeria Police Force has said it will investigate and prosecute popularly skit maker, Abdulgafar Abiola aka Cute Abiola for allegedly desecrating police uniform.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
In two recent skits shared on his social media accounts on July 20 and 24, the comedian portrayed himself in a police uniform, interacting with motorists.
One of the skits depicted him soliciting a bribe from a driver and requesting a cash transfer when the driver claimed to have insufficient funds.
The police said it had already warned skit makers and filmmakers to desist from desecrating its uniform or accoutrements.
The statement reads, “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.
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“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.
“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 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.”
GOOD EVENING NIGERIA reports that Cute Abiola was a soldier with the Nigerian Navy, before he resigned following his appointment as the Special Assistant on Creative Industries to the Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq.
Ahmad had once been arrested and punished by the Nigerian Navy with one-month ‘extra duty’ for wearing police uniform in one of his skits and for ridiculing the Nigeria Police Force in the process.