A public interest law firm, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, has formally petitioned the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union to impose a visa ban on Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force. The petition accuses Adejobi of orchestrating a systematic clampdown on free speech and using his position to intimidate and silence critics of the government.
The petition, obtained by SaharaReporters on Friday, February 4, 2025, was addressed to the US Ambassador in Abuja. It alleges that Adejobi’s actions and public statements have fostered an environment of fear and oppression, enabling police brutality and suppressing dissent.
“ACP Adejobi’s public pronouncements and directives reflect a blatant disregard for fundamental human rights, particularly freedom of speech,” the petition reads. “On multiple occasions, he has falsely asserted that insulting police officers is a criminal offense in Nigeria—an assertion widely condemned by legal experts and human rights advocates.”
The firm cited several cases in which Adejobi allegedly abused his office to target individuals for expressing their opinions:
March 2023 Tweet: Adejobi claimed that “hurling insults at police officers carrying out their legal duty is a criminal offense,” in response to musician Habeeb Okikiola (Portable), who had an altercation with officers.
December 2024 Arrest of Olamide Thomas: The activist and nurse was allegedly arrested under Adejobi’s directive for criticizing President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Adejobi himself. Her detention was widely seen as a direct attack on free expression.
Case of TikToker Destiny Ekhorutomwem: Detained for alleged cyberbullying and cyberstalking, he was given an exorbitant bail condition requiring four sureties with assets worth N2 billion. While in custody, he collapsed and was rushed to the National Hospital in Abuja.
Arrest of Charles Uche Ihedioha: Ihedioha was detained for a mere Twitter comment, with Adejobi allegedly ordering his unlawful detention. His father, Nathaniel Ihedioha, who visited the station to see his son, was also subjected to police intimidation, as officers who granted him entry were reportedly locked up on Adejobi’s orders.
Beyond these individual cases, the petition accuses Adejobi of justifying police brutality and shielding officers who engage in excessive force.
“In a recent report, he defended the use of excessive force by officers and dismissed calls for accountability, demonstrating his complicity in the continued abuse of Nigerian citizens,” the petition states.
The law firm insists that decisive international action is needed, urging the US, UK, Canada, and EU to impose a visa restriction on Adejobi and his family.
“Such a measure would send a strong message that those who undermine democratic principles and suppress free speech will not be welcomed in the international community,” the petition concludes.
The petition against ACP Adejobi adds to the growing concerns about police overreach and suppression of civil liberties in Nigeria. As the international community watches closely, the pressure mounts on authorities to address rampant rights violations and protect freedom of expression.
Will the US and its allies take action, or will this latest call for justice go unanswered?
PIONEER NEWS 