A strong message from a former top police spokesperson is sparking serious conversations across Nigeria. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a respected ex-Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, has warned citizens against pleading for the release of criminals in police custody. He described the habit as not only shameful but also criminal in itself, urging Nigerians to stop interfering with justice.

In a recent statement that has gone viral, Adejobi made it clear: anyone who rushes to beg security agencies to free suspects accused of serious crimes is aiding wrongdoing. “You’re also a criminal if you beg the police to release a criminal,” he stated firmly. According to him, such actions undermine law enforcement efforts and encourage a culture where crime thrives because people expect to be bailed out through connections or emotional appeals.

This warning comes at a time when many Nigerians frequently visit police stations to plead for relatives, friends, or even acquaintances arrested for theft, fraud, or other offences. While family ties are strong in our culture, Adejobi argues that constantly pressuring officers to overlook crimes destroys the system meant to protect society. Instead of begging for release, he believes people should allow the law to take its full course.

The former PRO’s message highlights a deeper problem in our justice system. Too often, suspects with influential backers walk free, while ordinary people face the full weight of the law. This selective justice breeds frustration and reduces public trust in the police. Adejobi’s call is a reminder that true change begins with citizens supporting due process rather than trying to bend it.

Many online reactions have been mixed. Some praised the straightforward advice, saying it’s time Nigerians stopped shielding wrongdoers. “If someone steals or harms others, let them face the consequences,” one commenter noted. Others, however, worry that innocent people sometimes get arrested wrongly and need help to prove their case. Adejobi acknowledged this concern but stressed that proper legal channels, not informal begging, should be used.

Nigeria’s security challenges make this issue even more important. With rising cases of kidnapping, banditry, and cybercrime, weakening the hands of law enforcement through constant interference only makes things worse for everyone. Parents, communities, and leaders need to teach younger generations that crime has consequences and that protecting criminals hurts society as a whole.

Adejobi’s warning is not about being heartless. It’s about building a better, safer country where justice is fair and consistent. He encouraged Nigerians to focus on prevention raising responsible children, reporting crimes promptly, and cooperating with security agencies instead of obstructing them.

As the conversation continues online and in communities, one thing stands out: real patriotism includes supporting the rule of law. Begging for criminals’ release may seem like helping a loved one today, but it endangers everyone tomorrow. The ex-PPRO’s bold message serves as a timely wake-up call for all of us to rethink how we respond when someone we know is in trouble with the law.

Let’s choose justice over shame. Support the police in doing their job properly, and together we can build a Nigeria where criminals have no hiding place and law-abiding citizens can live in peace.