Police to prosecute filmmakers over unauthorised use of police kits, uniforms
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has frowned at the use of police uniforms, kits and other accoutrements by film and skit makers.
This was made known by Force Public Relations Officer, Olamuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement issued to newsmen on Sunday.
According to the statement, the IGP has frowned at the demeaning manner in which the police are portrayed in the various entertainment contents.
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Usman said that the use of police uniforms without permission is criminalised and punishable under section 251 of the Criminal Code law, and Section 133 of the Penal Code Law.
He, 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 groups of persons engaging in the illegal sales of police uniforms and accoutrements within their jurisdictions.
The IGP added that “film or skit makers who portray the Nigeria Police Force officers in a 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.”
The warning by the police comes as comedians, particularly on social media, use police uniforms for their content.
The IGP said the step will curb the proliferation of police kits, uniforms and accoutrements and eventually reduce police impostors-induced crimes in society.
