Nigerian Police Probe Video Showing Businessman Blord Seen With Officers As Escorts
Nigerian Police Probe Video Showing Businessman Blord Seen With Officers As Escorts
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, described the incident as “unlawful and illegal” and said an investigation had begun.
The Nigeria Police Force has announced an investigation into police personnel escorting Nigerian businessman and social media personality, Linus Williams, popularly known as Blord, after a video showing him with officers circulated online.Nigerian news analysis
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, described the incident as “unlawful and illegal” and said an investigation had begun.
“Unlawful & illegal. Investigation has commenced into this incident please,” Hundeyin wrote in a post on X, adding the hashtag #NoToImpunity.
The police reaction followed a post by an X user, Oyindamola, who shared an observation about Blord’s public appearance, claiming that the businessman had begun showing support for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by wearing caps bearing the logo associated with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The police statement, however, did not explain what specific law or regulation the officers allegedly violated, identify the personnel involved, or clarify whether the investigation concerns the provision of the escort or another aspect of the incident.
The announcement triggered criticism and questions from social media users, with some accusing the police of selectively enforcing rules and questioning why the agency had not taken similar action over the use of police escorts by other prominent Nigerians.
An X user, @mrobichukwu, questioned the basis of the investigation, writing: “Investigation for wat exactly una de mad for this country I swear.”
Another user, Eddy, asked what was unlawful about Blord having a police escort and compared the incident with the security arrangements enjoyed by politicians and celebrities.
“Whats unlawful or illegal actually? For him to have police escort? Who is Seyi Tinubu that has alot of security personnel? Who is Davido and Burna boy that goes around with same police?” he wrote.
He also questioned the continued presence of police officers around public officials, including senators, ministers and members of the House of Representatives, despite government directives concerning the withdrawal of police personnel from unauthorised VIP protection duties.
Another user, Okanandu Benedict, criticised the police for announcing an investigation over the incident, arguing that the agency should focus on security challenges and alleged wrongdoing by political office holders.
“Please Mr police officer what investigation are you people talking about because he’s putting the cap on,” he wrote.
A further reaction came from an X user identified as Birthprince, who alleged that Blord had been seen with security personnel for a long time without attracting a police investigation.
The user suggested that the police announcement came only after the businessman was publicly perceived to be supporting Peter Obi.
The controversy has also revived questions about the deployment of police personnel to provide security for wealthy individuals, celebrities and politically influential figures, particularly amid public concerns over insecurity and the availability of officers for regular policing.
