Nigerians In Disbelief As Police PRO Dismisses Viral Photo Of Officer With ‘Otumokpo’

A photo circulating on social media showing a Nigerian police officer allegedly wearing ‘Otumokpo’ (a form of traditional protective charm) on his arm has sparked widespread reactions.

The image, which was shared by a user with the handle @Oluwada88559134, was directed to the Nigerian Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, for clarification.

In the image, the officer’s uniform prominently displays a red cloth tied around his arm, an item often associated with traditional spiritual protection. The caption questioned what the presence of such an item signifies in the context of police work.

See his post below;

Responding to the query, Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi dismissed the photo, stating simply, “It is called Photoshop,” implying that the image had been digitally altered.

However, this swift dismissal has been met with disbelief and skepticism from the public. Some Nigerians claim to have seen the officer in question and attest to the authenticity of the image. They argue that the officer did indeed wear the red cloth, suggesting it was an added layer of protection.

Read some netizens’ reactions below;

@brotherman: I’m a designer and can confidentially tell you it’s not photoshopped

@sundayclement: That’s our beautiful confirmed tradition, you don’t need to reach heaven to confirm if it’ll real or not tested and ready for your safety.

@olasuls: This is not photoshopped..it’s real

@jabimiku: Ortumorkpor policeman… You wear this to protest, I can only imagine what he will carry to sambisa or Zamfara desert. Lord have mercy

@chidi_atu: Will you question a Christian wearing a medal or a Muslim with a taebih

Adding to the controversy, a police memo had leaked last week, directing officers assigned to protest duties to wear red armbands. This directive might explain the red cloth seen in the photo, leading some to speculate that certain officers may have taken the instruction further than intended.

As the debate continues, many Nigerians are calling for a more thorough investigation into the matter, urging the police force to address the underlying concerns raised by the image and the subsequent response from the PRO.
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