The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Adebowale Lawal, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Enu-Owa Division, following his unprofessional handling of a recent case involving a social media influencer, Adefolarin Ayomiposi, popularly known as Mandykiss.
The action of the Command became necessary after a video surfaced online showing the said influencer recording and taking snapshots of suspects while in police custody at Enu-Owa Division. The incident, which has generated widespread public concern, prompted a swift internal review by the Command.
Preliminary findings revealed that no police personnel accompanied Mandykiss during the purported arrest. Instead, she was reportedly aided by her internet followers, who provided information leading to the location of the suspects, Mrs Akinwole Sabitu and her daughter, Miss Akinwole Oyindamola, accused of alleged cyberbullying.
After effecting the arrest, she was seen recording a video inside her vehicle while conveying the suspects to the station. Upon arrival, she handed them over to the police but went further to take their photographs within the station premises and post them on her social media platforms, an act contrary to standard police procedure and inconsistent with the legal principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
This sequence of events, CP Lawal noted, demonstrated a clear lapse in supervisory responsibility and professional judgment on the part of the Divisional Police Officer. He therefore directed the officer’s immediate redeployment, emphasising that the Command will not condone any conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force. Reinforcing this stance, the Commissioner of Police stressed that recording or photographing suspects in custody constitutes a violation of established ethical standards and contravenes procedural directives guiding the management of suspects.
He further reminded officers and men of the Command to remain vigilant, impartial, and professional in all operations while ensuring that the rights of both suspects and complainants are protected in strict accordance with the law.
The Commissioner of Police further emphasised that the conduct of the said officer does not reflect the discipline, integrity, and core values of the Nigeria Police Force. In conclusion, CP Lawal reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to upholding discipline and accountability across the Command.
He also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, for his exemplary leadership, strategic guidance, and constant words of encouragement, which continue to inspire professionalism and operational excellence within the Nigeria Police Force.
