IGP orders skit and movie creators who used police uniforms to be arrested and prosecuted

 

Usman Baba, the Inspector General of Police, has directed the arrest and prosecution of skit and film creators who inappropriately utilize the police uniform.

The directive was stated in a statement made on Sunday by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

The statement also denounced dealers selling police equipment and supplies illegally in stores and open establishments that are not authorized nor recognized by the police authority.

According to the statement, the IGP also disapproved of the "demeaning manner in which movie and skit producers portray the police institution in their films and skits, using the police uniform without reference to Section 251 of the Criminal Code law or Section 133 of the Penal Code law, which criminalizes such unauthorized use and accompanying necessary sanctions.

"Therefore, the IGP 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 individuals or groups involved in the illegal sales of police uniforms and accouterments within their jurisdictions, while film or skit makers who portray the Nigeria Police Force officers in a negative 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.

The Force Public Relations Officer has been tasked with ensuring prompt approval for all applications for approvals of usage of police items in movies, in tandem with the extant laws and which will portray good values, leave a favorable impression on the Nigerian public, add value to our system, and give police officers cutting-edge innovations to actively carry out their duties. "The IGP further reiterates the commitment of the Force to ensuring compliance with the law," says the IGP.

"The Inspector-General of Police strongly believes that such sanity in movie production, regulation of sales, possession, and usage of police uniforms and accouterments will definitely impact positively on reviving moral values and correcting incorrect perceptions and ideologies towards the commission of crimes in our society. "It is obvious that this step will surely curb the proliferation of police kits, uniforms, and accouterments and eventually reduce police imposters.