Police Uniform: Arrest, prosecute unauthorised users, sellers — IGP

Nigeria Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba. 

FOLLOWING incessant and unauthorised possession and usage of police uniforms by some individuals, movies and skit makers, as well as illegal sale of police materials and accouterments by traders in shops, open stores not approved nor recognised by the authorities, the Nigeria Police Force has threatened to arrest those breaking the law.

The IGP also frowned on the demeaning manner in which movie and skit makers portrayed 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.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed this yesterday, said: “The IGP, therefore, charged all commands and formations, 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.

‘’They are also to arrest and prosecute film or skit makers who portray the Nigeria Police Force officers in bad light, without applying for, and being duly issued a permit for such portrayals.  They are advised to desist with immediate effect or face the full wrath of the law.

“The IGP further reiterates the commitment of the Force to guaranteeing compliance with the law, as the Force Public Relations Officer has been charged with the task of ensuring prompt authorisation for all applications for approvals of usage of police items in movies, in tandem with the extant."