- By Hassanat Adebowale
Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju and his law firm have petitioned the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union, urging them to impose a visa ban on Nigeria’s Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi. The petition, dated February 4, 2025, accuses Adejobi of suppressing free speech and using his position to intimidate critics of the government.
The petition outlines several instances where Adejobi allegedly ordered the unlawful arrest and detention of individuals for expressing their opinions online. It claims that Adejobi has consistently defended police brutality and used the law to target dissenters.
“We urgently appeal to the United States of America to impose a visa restriction on Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the current Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force,” the petition read.
The document highlighted a March 29, 2023, tweet by Adejobi, in which he stated that “hurling insults at police officers carrying out their legal duty is criminal and punishable by the criminal laws of Nigeria.” This statement followed an incident involving musician Habeeb Okikiola (Portable), where Adejobi labeled the musician’s behavior as “unruly” and inciting violence against officers.
The petition also referenced the December 2024 arrest of nurse Olamide Thomas, allegedly ordered by Adejobi after she criticized President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Adejobi in a video. “Her arrest and subsequent detention have been viewed as a direct attack on freedom of expression,” the law firm stated.
Another case involved TikTok user, Destiny Ekhorutomwem, who was reportedly arrested on Adejobi’s directives on charges of cyberbullying and cyberstalking. According to the petition, Ekhorutomwem faced an impossible bail condition requiring four sureties with assets valued at N2 billion. While in custody, he collapsed and was taken to the National Hospital in Abuja.
The petition further alleged that Adejobi ordered the arrest of Charles Uche Ihedioha over a comment he made on Twitter. It claimed that Adejobi used his position to unlawfully detain Ihedioha simply for expressing an opinion online. When Ihedioha’s father, Nathaniel, went to the police station to see his son, Adejobi allegedly ordered the detention of the officers who granted him entry.
The petition also asserted that Adejobi has repeatedly justified acts of police brutality. “In a recent report, he justified excessive force used by officers and dismissed calls for accountability, further proving his complicity in the continued abuse of Nigerian citizens,” the firm stated.
Adeyanju’s law firm called on the US and other nations to take decisive action against Adejobi. “We believe such action would send a strong message that individuals who suppress freedom of speech and undermine democratic principles will not be welcomed in the United States,” the firm said.
The Legal Corner
Section 39 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution ensures that every citizen has the right to freedom of expression, allowing them to hold opinions and share information without interference. While Nigerian law prohibits defamation, incitement, and spreading false information, simply criticizing public officials, including the police, isn’t a crime unless it involves direct threats or incitement to violence.
The Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 provides protections against arbitrary arrests, ensuring that due process is followed before depriving someone of their liberty. If the allegations against ACP Adejobi are true, his actions could violate constitutional rights, and victims may seek legal redress through civil suits or by petitioning the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
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