Nigerian comedian and skit maker, Abdulgafar Oluwatoyin, also known as Cute Abiola, is in trouble with a Nigerian law enforcement agency for the third time in three years.
This time, the police are unhappy with him for his recent comedy skits featuring a costume depicting the Nigerian police.
In these skits, Cute Abiola humorously makes fun of police officers who beg for money from citizens, especially with the backdrop of increased fuel prices. However, the police see this as a disrespectful and derogatory portrayal of their force.
One of the main concerns raised by the police is that Cute Abiola used the police uniform without proper authorization. This violates the Armed Forces Social Media Policy, which many Nigerian skit makers and comedians have been ignoring lately.
In response to Cute Abiola’s comedy skits, the Nigeria police released a press statement on Wednesday. The statement, signed by its PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced that Cute Abiola will be investigated and potentially prosecuted for intentionally desecrating the police uniform in his comedy skits.
Statement
The Nigerian police, in the statement, acknowledged the citizen’s fundamental human rights and warned against the unauthorized use of police costumes and other accoutrements. It is an offence punishable by section 251 of the Criminal Code and section 133 of the Penal Code Law.
The police 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 regarding the use of uniforms.”
“We 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 violates 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 to serve 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 shame 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.”
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A few weeks after the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) issued a warning to content creators and skit producers about using EFCC-branded jackets and symbols without permission, popular comedian Cute Abiola has found himself in trouble once again.
Cute Abiola, a former Nigerian naval officer, has been consistently making comedy videos on his Instagram page while dressed in police and military uniforms. This is not the first time he has faced consequences for his actions.In November 2021, Cute Abiola was arrested for violating the Nigerian Armed Forces Social Media Policy. He spent over 10 days in naval custody and was eventually dismissed from the naval force. Additionally, in 2020, he was arrested after his birthday pictures in a naval uniform went viral. He was later released on May 4, 2020.
Despite facing consequences in the past, Cute Abiola continues to post videos of himself wearing military uniforms and even brandishing a gun.
