The Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered the immediate redeployment of the Divisional Police Officer of the Enu-Owa Division in Ondo West Local Government Area over unprofessional conduct in a case involving social media influencer Adefolarin Ayomiposi, popularly known as Mandykiss.
According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, the DPO was sanctioned for allowing Mandykiss to record and photograph suspects in police custody — an action that violates standard procedure and the rights of those involved. The incident stemmed from a viral video showing the influencer storming Ondo town to confront and “arrest” a woman, Sabitu Akinwole, and her daughter, Oyindamola Akinwole, whom she accused of making offensive remarks about her. The Commissioner revealed that no police officer accompanied her during the self-styled arrest, which was instead carried out with the help of her followers who traced the suspects’ location.
The police statement noted that after handing the suspects over at the station, Mandykiss went on to take photos and recordings within the premises and posted them online, undermining the principle of presumption of innocence. The Commissioner of Police said the lapse showed a failure of supervision and poor judgement on the part of the DPO, prompting his redeployment. He stressed that the command would not tolerate actions that erode public trust in the police.
He further reiterated that photographing or recording suspects in custody is unethical and contrary to police guidelines. Officers were reminded to remain professional, impartial, and respectful of the rights of both suspects and complainants in accordance with the law.
Source: https://guardian.ng/
