Duncan Sranley
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has provided clarity on why the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) detained a policeman implicated in a viral video involving alleged naira abuse by Subomi and Wahab Okoya, sons of billionaire industrialist Chief Razaq Okoya. Adejobi’s explanation came via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, shedding light on the disciplinary measures taken by the police.
Police Under Detention
In the viral video that surfaced last week, Subomi and Wahab Okoya were seen dancing and throwing wads of naira notes into the air, while a policeman, also captured in the footage, held additional bundles of cash. The act was criticized for its perceived abuse of the naira, which contravenes Nigeria’s currency regulations.
On Friday, Adejobi announced that the policeman involved had been identified and detained to face disciplinary action. He emphasized that the officer’s conduct was “unethical” and fell short of the standards expected from the Nigerian police.
Explaining the decision to detain the officer, Adejobi stated:
“A serious-minded policeman should discourage the commissioning of an offence, which he failed to do.”
He added that the officer’s actions violated the ethical guidelines of the police force, which include maintaining professional conduct, discouraging illegal activities, and upholding the integrity of the NPF.
Adejobi also noted that the disciplinary action aligns with the police’s commitment to fostering a professional and respected force in Nigeria.
“The NPF has acted professionally on his case. So let your argument on the matter be objective, as the police won’t tolerate illegal duty, indecency, and any act of criminality from its personnel,” he wrote.
The incident has sparked widespread public debate, with many Nigerians expressing mixed reactions. While some applauded the police for taking swift action against their officer, others questioned the level of accountability for the Okoya brothers, who allegedly initiated the naira abuse.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has since waded into the matter, inviting Subomi and Wahab Okoya for questioning over their actions in the viral video.
The abuse of the naira, including spraying, dancing on, or mutilating the currency, violates Section 21 of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act 2007. The law mandates respect for the naira and criminalizes any act that desecrates it. Violators face fines or imprisonment, depending on the severity of the offence.
The involvement of a policeman in this incident further amplifies the ethical and professional expectations from law enforcement officers, who are mandated to prevent such violations rather than participate in them.
The case underscores the need for accountability across all levels of society, from influential citizens to public officers. As the EFCC and NPF continue their investigations, Nigerians are keenly watching to see how the authorities handle the situation. Many hope this will serve as a precedent for curbing naira abuse and ensuring professionalism within the police force.
This incident also highlights broader concerns about the conduct of public figures and law enforcement officers, reinforcing calls for a cultural shift towards greater respect for national symbols and adherence to the rule of law.
