The police spokesperson, Oluwuyiwa Adejobi, had accused Cute Abiola of disrespecting the police uniform in two recent skits posted on his social media platforms on July 20 and 24.
However, Inibehe Effiong has countered the police's claims, asserting that using police uniforms in skits for entertainment purposes cannot be deemed illegal.
He cited the practice of entertainers worldwide who frequently utilise military and police uniforms in their art and craft without facing legal repercussions.
The human rights lawyer further challenged the police, suggesting that if they proceed with prosecuting the skit maker, it could expose the security agents to public ridicule and judicial rebuke.
Effiong highlighted the potential difficulties in proving the case, particularly if the skits accurately reflect the conduct of the police force.
Rather than focusing on pursuing cases against entertainers, Effiong urged the Nigerian police to channel their energy into combating corruption, lawlessness, and abuse of power within the system. He emphasised that addressing these underlying issues is crucial to restoring the reputation and credibility of the police force.
The lawyer's stance reflects a broader call for accountability and reform within the Nigerian police. Efforts to address systemic challenges and improve law enforcement should take precedence over targeting artists who use their creative expression to shed light on issues in society.