The Nigeria Police Force has reduced the rank of a female officer, Anemena Favour, from sergeant to corporal over an alleged breach of the Force’s social media regulations.
The disciplinary action followed a viral video in which the officer was seen hosting a live broadcast on TikTok while dressed in full police uniform. Police authorities said the action violated established rules governing officers’ conduct on social media platforms.
Sources within the Force told reporters that the decision was reached after the Department of Finance and Administration at the Force Headquarters in Abuja reviewed the outcome of an orderly-room trial involving the officer.
Anemena, who is attached to the Special Protection Unit Base 25 in Asaba, Delta State, was reportedly found guilty under provisions of Police Regulation 370, Act 2 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2020. The regulation outlines offences considered discreditable to the Force, including acts viewed as insubordination or conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the police.
According to police sources, the relevant provisions prohibit officers from making or sharing online content that is considered inappropriate, misleading, sexually suggestive, disrespectful, or capable of bringing the Force into disrepute. They also restrict the promotion of improper dressing while in or out of uniform and the endorsement of groups or movements deemed unlawful.
“The officer was found guilty as charged, and the reduction in rank was approved as a deterrent to others,” a police source said.
Following the ruling, authorities directed that all official records be updated to reflect the officer’s new rank. The police Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, as well as the nominal roll, were ordered to be amended accordingly.
The Commander of SPU Base 25 was also instructed to ensure the immediate implementation of the demotion.
A video of the incident, which circulated widely on social media, showed the officer interacting with viewers during the live broadcast, an action the police said contravenes internal regulations on uniformed appearances online
