The Ondo state police command has redeployed the divisional police officer (DPO) of Enu-Owa division in Ondo west LGA over “unprofessional handling” of a case involving Adefolarin Ayomiposi, a social media influencer popularly known as Mandykiss.
In a statement on Tuesday, Adebowale Lawal, the commissioner of police in Ondo, said the decision was taken after a video surfaced online showing Mandykiss filming and taking photographs of two female suspects in police custody—an act that has sparked a public outrage and raised questions about due process in law enforcement.
On Saturday, Mandykiss confronted a mother-daughter duo, known online as Honeymoon and Mormor, accusing them of a sustained campaign of cyberbullying against her.
The conflict between the trio culminated in a police station visit after online exchanges escalated into personal threats.
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However, the police commissioner said preliminary investigations revealed that no officer was present during the purported arrest led by Mandykiss.
“Instead, the influencer was allegedly assisted by her social media followers, who provided information that led to the arrest of the suspects, identified as Mrs Akinwole Sabitu and her daughter, Miss Akinwole Oyindamola,” the statement reads.
“The duo was accused of cyberbullying Mandykiss, but the influencer was seen in a viral video recording herself with the suspects inside her vehicle while conveying them to the police station.
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“Upon arrival, she handed them over to the police but went further to take their photographs within the station premises and post them on her social media platforms.
“This is an act contrary to standard police procedure and inconsistent with the legal principle of presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
“This sequence of events demonstrated a clear lapse in supervisory responsibility and professional judgement on the part of the DPO.”
Lawal described the development as a “serious breach of procedure and professionalism”, noting that the DPO’s failure to maintain decorum and enforce standard police practices necessitated his immediate redeployment.
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“The Command will not condone any act capable of eroding public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force,” the commissioner declared, noting that recording or photographing suspects in custody violates established ethical standards and undermines the presumption of innocence guaranteed under the law.
He reiterated that every police officer has a duty to safeguard the rights of suspects and complainants alike, stressing that the conduct of the Enu-Owa DPO fell short of the discipline, integrity, and professionalism expected within the force.
