Cute Abiola is in our custody — Navy

The Nigerian Navy (NN) says Instagram comedian, The Cute Abiola, is in its custody for violating the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s social media policy.

Another comedian, Mr Macaroni, declared The Cute Abiola missing on Tuesday, citing his colleague’s wife.

Before The Cute Abiola was taken into custody, he shared a video of himself acting with a rifle and military uniform. The video, according to the caption attached, was from a movie set.

Any connection between the video and his arrest is not immediately clear.

The Director of Information, Navy Headquarters, Cdre Suleman Dahun, reacting to the report, said the comedian was taken into custody for breaching Armed Forces social media policy.

“Cute Abiola is not missing. He is in custody for breaching Armed Forces social media policy,” the Navy spokesperson said.

The Armed Forces Act 2017 provides guidelines on social media use to curb undignified use of social media by members of the armed forces, especially acts that could render them susceptible to enemies’ trap or jeopardise ongoing military operations.

“Personnel should not post their pictures or those of their colleagues in military uniforms, or pictures containing military structures, platforms and other military related items,” said one of the slew of cautions in the guidelines.

Military personnel are also required to warn their family members against controversial conducts on social media.

“Personnel will be held liable for any security issues arising from postings in respect of them by civilian friends or relations,” the guidelines warn.

“They are, therefore, to educate their friends and relations as necessary regarding military security and what should not be posted on social media,” the guidelines said.