Police face backlash over comment on child’s ‘pornographic’ photo

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is facing backlash for its response to the case of a father who exploited his 4-year-old daughter to pose for a ‘pornographic’ photo posted on Instagram.

The Edo-based father reportedly created an Instagram account for his daughter, calling her a “model” and referencing an adult film actress as her “mentor.”

Posts on the account showed the child at a nightclub, where she posed partially undressed.

The posts sparked outrage on Nigerian social media, with many calling for the father’s arrest and an investigation into the matter.

However, Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson for the Nigerian Police Force, said in a tweet that the Edo State Police Command will counsel the parents rather than prosecute them.

Adejobi argued that many people “don’t know the implications of what we do,” adding that not all cases require prosecution; there is room for alternative dispute resolution (ADR).

“This is an act of indecency and exposing the young child to moral dangers. The PPRO of Edo Command will take it up and counsel the parents rather than prosecute them,” Adejobi said.

“Many of us don’t know the implications of what we do. We will educate them, and many alike. This kind of a thing will expose the girl to the rots in our system and moral dangers.

“Not in all cases we prosecute, there is a room for ADR and CSR in our duties, and we shall be adopting such.”

Adejobi’s response, however, has been met with widespread criticism, with people saying that the force is downplaying the sensitivity of the issue.

Your job is to arrest suspected criminals while lawyers interpret the law in court.

What nonsense counseling?

Are you also a pedophile? Is that why you people want to shield this man?

What is wrong with the Police institution in Nigeria for Christ sake?

— Nneka Busy Body (@Nnekabusybody) May 12, 2024

What kind of a person are you?

Did you watch the videos? Have you seen the IG?
What happens to the child?

— 👑S.A.L.A.K.O🕊 (@UnkleAyo) May 12, 2024

“Counsel the parents?”

Jajajajajajajaja

Your job is not to offer counseling, you’re not a psychologist.

Do your damn job and leave counseling to those who are trained in it.

If this was someone dragging you, you’d have turned to James Bond.

— Brother Bernard (@MikaelCBernard) May 12, 2024

This is the first time I will be agreeing with you
Nigerians think everything is by emotions
You all think you can dictate or tell people how to live their lives by force, I hope the man takes the counsel of the police force and turn a new leaf.

Truly police is your friend.❤️

— The Apple of God's eye (@ugo_himself) May 12, 2024

This approach is preferable only if it's verified that the girl hasn't been sexually molested, and the father should be closely monitored by his neighbors and his daughter's school authority.

Sending the father to jail might even subject the child to greater risks under the care…

— OlaD (@revelationrabbi) May 12, 2024

Counsel??? Counsel??? Everything they did has broken the law; Child rights act. They should be sent to jail. Child pornography and trafficking is a crime. What do you meaning counseling??

— OGBUNIGWE 💣 (@ladylibber) May 12, 2024

Counsel the parents???????? Are you trying to say the father is not aware that what he is doing is wrong??? Did you see the images we all saw??? I am honestly confused! Wdym “counsel rather than prosecute?” Egbami!!

— Mercyyyyy (@Mercy_McQuin) May 12, 2024

Counsel and educate them??? Now you people take up the role of counselor/educator on a case like this?? Is it the same pictures that you're on about?
Are you not a law enforcement body again?
I'm so confused. This is a joke!

— Chinyere O. (@harchychy) May 12, 2024