The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, has clarified the legality surrounding interactions between police officers and civilians, particularly in light of a viral video where a group of young men prevented individuals dressed as police officers from entering their property.
The footage showed masked, armed individuals attempting to access the property, with one officer firing a warning shot while another climbed the fence to gain entry. The young men, who claimed to be content creators and not internet fraudsters (“yahoo boys”), expressed discomfort with the officers’ masked appearance and actions.
Addressing the controversy via X (formerly Twitter), Edafe acknowledged that wearing masks is against the Nigeria Police Force’s regulations, calling it a “red flag.” However, he emphasised that obstructing police officers from entering or exiting a building is itself a criminal offence.
In his post, Edafe wrote:
“Wearing a mask as a policeman is a red flag, and it’s not allowed in policing. However, we all should stop thinking that it is right to lock the police either outside or inside; that’s another offence on its own.”
He also questioned the group’s immediate declaration of being content creators, noting that the police had not accused them of any wrongdoing:
“Why did they say they are not Yahoo boys but content creators even though the police never asked them any questions? Just asking, though.”
Edafe concluded by stating that the incident is under review, and the police are gathering more information to launch a proper investigation into the event.
This incident has sparked discussions about police practices, citizens’ rights, and the need for professionalism in law enforcement, particularly regarding transparency and adherence to regulations by officers.