The Media Rights Advocacy Centre (MRAC) has issued a strong statement in response to the recent incident involving Lagos-based radio presenter Omotunde Adebowale-David, popularly known as @officiallolo1, and a police motorcade in Lagos.
In a press statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr. Ebenezer Olatunji, the Centre expressed concern over the deliberate obstruction of a police escort by Omotunde, an act that several eyewitnesses confirmed as unlawful. MRAC emphasized that the incident, rather than being viewed objectively, has been sensationalized by opportunists seeking to cast aspersions on the Nigeria Police Force while disregarding the presenter’s conduct, which constitutes a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
Citing the Police Act 2020 (as amended), Section 98, and provisions of the Criminal Code Act, the Centre underscored that obstructing, assaulting, or resisting a police officer in the course of duty is a punishable offence. It further condemned what it described as a growing trend among media personalities and activists who exploit encounters with law enforcement officers to gain public sympathy while undermining the authority of security agencies.
MRAC particularly noted that Omotunde’s misrepresentation of the incident aligns with what it described as a “coordinated assault” on the police, a pattern allegedly championed by individuals like Omoyele Sowore of Sahara Reporters. The organization cautioned against such actions, stressing that Nigeria remains a democracy governed by law and order, not a state of anarchy where individuals can act with impunity.
As part of its recommendations, MRAC called on the Lagos State Police Command to launch an immediate investigation into the matter and take necessary legal action. The Centre warned that allowing such incidents to go unchecked could have far-reaching consequences on the country’s security framework.
“Citizens have as much obligation to uphold law and order as they expect law enforcement officers to respect their rights. The growing culture of disregarding police authority, particularly by public figures, is counterproductive and poses a threat to national security,” the statement concluded.
The Media Rights Advocacy Centre reiterated its commitment to balanced reporting, the rule of law, and the protection of media integrity while cautioning against the misuse of platforms to undermine law enforcement agencies.
