‘Stop online harassment’ — activist slams police over Cute Abiola
Onajobi Adetoun, the human rights activist also called Justadetoun, has tackled the Nigerian police over a plan to prosecute skit maker Cute Abiola for “desecrating” its uniform.
The comedian, born Abdulgafar Abiola, recently shared two videos on his Instagram page, wherein he wore a police uniform and was begging for money.
The police, however, condemned the skit maker’s actions in the footage, describing them as “disrespectful and offensive”.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, said the force had previously warned skit makers and filmmakers against any form of mockery or disrespect towards their uniform.
According to the statement, Abiola will be subjected to investigation and possible prosecution for his actions.
In her reaction via Instagram, Justadetoun called on the police to focus on revamping the force, rather than “harass people on social media”.
In the video addressed to Kayode Egbetokun, police IGP, the activist also urged the force to ask Cute Abiola to use his platform to promote their “good works” — instead of prosecuting him.
“I would like to direct this video to the Inspector General of Police. And I also want to bring Olumuyiwa into this matter,” she said.
“Olumuyiwa, you came out and say you want to arrest Cute Abiola. What has Cute Abiola done? During the EndSARS, the citizens of Nigeria came out in the spirit of change. And what led to it? We wanted a police reformation.
“Your police officers are drunkard on the streets. They are taking bribes. They humiliate citizens. You have not done anything to change the narrative. I have never heard you people come out to say ‘all of you citizens we are working’ and need citizens to corporate with you. All you come and do is show your spirit of cowardice.
“Personally I have sent you messages. You are now coming on social media to look for people you can harass. It is a shame that you people do not understand the gravity of what you are doing. You do not please the citizen. Or feel like citizens need a change.
“If you people continue not to listen to the citizens of this country, you are raising another generation of criminals. Listen Olumuyiwa go and attend to the chat I sent to you about our girls.
“Go and renovate your station. Go and provide materials for your officers. Call Cute Abiola to use his space to project the little effort Nigeria police are making to make change.”
