IGP orders arrest of actors, skit maker over use of police uniforms

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, has frowned at the unauthorised use of police uniform by actors and skit makers as well as the illegal sale of police materials and accoutrements by traders in shops, open stores.

Consequently, the IGP ordered the arrest and prosecution of actors and skit makers over unauthorised and illegal possession of police uniforms.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday.

The statement partly reads, “The Nigeria Police Force has expressed concern over the incessant and unauthorised possession and use of Police uniforms and accoutrements by some individuals, movies and skit makers, as well as the illegal sale of Police materials and accoutrements by traders in shops, open stores not approved nor recognised by Police authority.

“The IGP has equally frowned at the demeaning manner in which movie makers and skit makers portray the Police institution in their movies and skits, using the police uniform without recourse to the provision of Section 251 of the Criminal Code law, and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law which criminalise such unauthorised use with accompanying necessary sanctions.

“The IGP therefore charged all commands and formations, the IGP Monitoring Unit, Provost marshals and X-Squad, to arrest and immediately prosecute, in accordance with the law, all persons or group of persons engaging in the illegal sales of police uniforms and accoutrements within their jurisdictions, while film or skit makers who portray the Nigeria Police Force officers in bad light, without applying for, and being duly issued a permit letter for such portrayals, to desist with immediate effect or face the full wrath of the law.”