The Ondo State Police Command has redeployed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Enu-Owa Division in Ondo West Local Government Area following allegations of unprofessional conduct in the handling of a cyberbullying case involving social media influencer Mandykiss.
Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, announced the redeployment on Tuesday after a viral video showed Mandykiss filming and taking pictures of two female suspects inside a police station — an act that sparked public outrage and condemnation.
The incident reportedly began on Saturday when the influencer confronted a woman and her daughter, identified as Mrs. Akinwole Sabitu and Miss Akinwole Oyindamola, accusing them of repeatedly cyberbullying her online. The situation escalated into a police matter after the online exchanges allegedly turned into threats.
Preliminary investigations, according to the commissioner, revealed that the arrest of the suspects was not carried out by police officers. Instead, Mandykiss was said to have tracked down the duo with the help of some of her followers before handing them over to the Enu-Owa Police Division.
Footage that later surfaced online showed the influencer recording herself with the suspects inside her vehicle and also taking photos of them within the police premises — images she subsequently posted on social media.
Describing the act as a serious breach of protocol, Commissioner Lawal said the DPO failed to maintain professionalism and control within his jurisdiction, allowing due process to be compromised.
“This incident reflects a lack of proper supervision and professionalism at the divisional level. The command will not tolerate any action capable of undermining public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force,” he stated.
Lawal stressed that photographing or filming suspects in custody violates ethical standards and infringes on their constitutional right to presumption of innocence. He added that the DPO’s redeployment was necessary to restore discipline, accountability, and public trust within the command.
He further reminded officers of their duty to uphold the rights of both suspects and complainants, emphasizing that professionalism and respect for human rights must remain central to police operations.