Ondo Police Remove DPO Over Mishandling Of Mandykiss Cyberbullying Case
The Ondo State Police Command has redeployed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Enu-Owa Division in Ondo West Local Government Area over what it described as unprofessional conduct in the handling of a case involving social media influencer Mandykiss. Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, announced the decision on Tuesday after a viral video showed Mandykiss recording and taking pictures of two female suspects inside a police station — a scene that sparked widespread public criticism. The controversy began on Saturday when Mandykiss confronted a woman and her daughter, identified as Mrs. Akinwole Sabitu and Miss Akinwole Oyindamola, over allegations of repeated cyberbullying. The confrontation, which initially started online, escalated into a police matter after the influencer and her followers reportedly tracked down the suspects. Lawal explained that preliminary findings revealed no police officers were present during the alleged arrest of the two women. Instead, the suspects were brought to the Enu-Owa Division by Mandykiss and some of her supporters. The influencer was later seen filming herself with the suspects inside her vehicle and within the police premises before posting the footage online. The commissioner condemned the development, describing it as a breach of professional ethics and a violation of the suspects’ right to presumption of innocence. “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,” Lawal stated. He stressed that photographing or filming suspects in custody contravenes ethical standards and human rights principles. According to him, the redeployment of the DPO became necessary to restore discipline and integrity within the command. Lawal further reminded officers of their duty to protect the rights of all parties involved in police matters, urging them to uphold professionalism, fairness, and respect for the rule of law at all times.