Police vow to arrest, prosecute Cute Abiola for wearing uniform in skits

The Nigeria Police Force has said that skit maker Abdulgafar Abiola, popularly known as Cute Abiola, will be investigated and possibly prosecuted for the use of police uniform in skits.

In a statement on Thursday, Force spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the skit maker in his skits posted on July 20 and 24 used police uniform in a “disrespectful and derogatory” manner.

The statement read, “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.

“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 police called on the public, including media personalities, to avoid engaging in actions that could erode public trust in law enforcement institutions.

In November 2021, Cute Abiola was detained by the Nigerian Navy for violating the social media policy of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He was released weeks later.

The following year, he resigned from the Navy.