Nigerians Slam Police Over Muyiwa Adejobi’s Post On Robbery Laws
By: Raymond Osho
A recent tweet by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has sparked outrage on social media, with Nigerians accusing the police of hypocrisy over the enforcement of robbery laws.
Adejobi had tweeted that anyone found guilty of robbery would face a minimum of 21 years in prison, while those found guilty of armed robbery may face the death penalty.
The FPPRO tweeted “KNOW THE LAW: Section 401 of the Criminal Code defines the offence of robbery, and Section 402 of the Criminal Code states the punishment. There is a difference between robbery and armed robbery.
“When someone (the robber or thief) is armed with any weapon, offensive weapon, or substance that can create fear and/or cause injury to the victim, it’s armed robbery. Read the sections and get informed. Be law-abiding. Thanks.”
However, Twitter users were quick to point out that the police are often guilty of the same crimes, with many sharing personal experiences of police extortion and bribery.
@ebubec1 asked, “How is that interpreted in the case of policemen who use firearms to extort civilians? Is that not armed robbery?”
Others shared similar sentiments, with @Shegzyloran12 saying, “What about officers on active duty holding guns and collecting money from commercial bus drivers? Can we say they are armed officers robbing?”
Samuyiwa Akintu also questioned, “What do we call police extortion with firearms or threats?”
@layibonfrere commented ” Pls, answer this question sincerely … is a policeman authorized to search a passengers’ bag while in a commercial vehicle?
“You too like to quote law but yet your men are the lawless group of people and the superiors are the defender of their lawlessness”, said @Hillary_042
Also, @ShinaToluoni117 said “All the lies wey Babangida dey tell no concern u?
