Last week, it was announced that Nigerian choreographer and performer Love Divine (known in media circles as Picture Kodak) had died from complications after an accidental electrocution at the home of music video director and CEO of Capital Dreams Pictures, Clarence Peters. There are many reasons why this accidental death has garnered the attention of the nation. The entire country is under a Federal Government mandated lock down, one that require citizens to stay in their homes and limited gatherings to less than 10 people. Clarence Peters, the director was alleged to not have been in his home at the time of the electrocution accident and reports suggest the Love Divine was still alive when she was rushed to a private hospital in Omole Estate where she later died from her injuries.

— Nigerian dancer Kodak’s death: We are investigating Clarence for murder – Police

– Lagos State police have arrested music director – Clarence Peters – over the death of dancer & video vixen, Kodak. The dancer was alleged to have died of electrocution while charging her phone. pic.twitter.com/gMsw099aOy

— The Viral Trendz (@TheViralTrendz) May 3, 2020

The Lagos State Police Command has announced that it has arrested Clarence Peters and key members of his team, and has suggested through a press statement that the director was somehow involved in the death of the dancer. It has already announced through a key spokesperson that the Police is waiting for an autopsy report to confirm if there was foul play in the death of Love Divine and if Peters will be charged with her murder.

There are several precedents that are worrying in the police force’s handling of the situation. Clarence Peters is the son of Fuji legend Sir Shina Peters and actress Clarion Chukwura and as such, has far more leverage than the average Nigerian. But even then, the Nigerian Police accusing Peters of murder with no proof and no evidence against him (the autopsy has not been completed on Love Divine), damages his public image. This kind of public shaming as a way to earn sympathy from the general public is recurring problem with the Nigerian police, and one we must eventually solve if we expect the force to be taken seriously.

Editor