Rinu Oduala, a well-known activist from the #EndSARS movement, recently clashed with the FCT Police Command over the unauthorized use of her image in an official police press release. This controversy began when the police, represented by spokesperson Josephine Adeh, published a statement regarding protests held on October 1, 2024.
These protests, linked to the #EndBadGovernance movement, saw a significant youth turnout in response to Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges. The police, in their defense, claimed that their actions were solely aimed at preventing miscreants from causing chaos, particularly looting, and maintained that the use of force, including tear gas, was necessary to maintain order.
However, Oduala’s involvement stemmed from the use of her photograph in the statement, which she condemned as misleading. She argued that her image had been used without her permission, suggesting that the police were attempting to co-opt her image to deflect criticism or validate their narrative regarding the protest. Oduala, known for her vocal opposition to police misconduct and advocacy for youth rights, felt this was an intentional effort to mislead the public by implying her endorsement of the police’s actions.
The police, on the other hand, remained steadfast, reiterating that their operations were focused on preventing unrest and protecting the rights of citizens to protest peacefully. Josephine Adeh emphasized that the force’s actions were aimed at safeguarding lives and property, denying any intentional attack on protesters.
This situation has sparked broader conversations about the ethics of image usage in official communications and the tensions between the Nigerian police force and activists in the wake of the #EndSARS movement.
