Juliana Francis
The Nigeria Police Force has threatened to arrest and prosecute a skit maker, Abdulgafar Abiola, popularly known as Cute Abiola, for deliberately and constantly making a disrespectful and derogatory film, which portrays the Police in a bad light.
According to the Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, the action of the Cute Abiola was in direct violation of Section 251 of the Criminal Code and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law.
This threat and warning to Cute Abiola came just weeks after police arrested and arraigned another skit maker, Maruf Abdullahi aka Trinity using a 10-year-old girl in his film and exposing her to sexual content.
It will be recalled that a family court in Iyaganku, Ibadan, ordered that Trinity be remanded in the Agodi Correctional Centre for sexually exploiting the underage.
It will be further recalled that before the arrest, arraignment and remand of Trinity, NPF had repeatedly warned skit makers to be careful so that their contents do not contravene the laws of Nigeria.
The latest skit that got NPF beaming its light on Cute Abiola was a portrayal of a policeman asking for a bribe. It was also gathered that this was not the first time Cute Abiola would be portraying NPF in such a negative manner.
Adejobi said: “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 warned skit makers and filmmakers to desist from desecrating its uniform or accoutrements.”
The Force image manager said that 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 regard to the use of uniforms.
He added: “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. This action is in direct violation of Section 251 of the Criminal Code and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law. Such acts are offensive and 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 warned skit makers and filmmakers to desist from desecrating their 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.”
