Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, alongside his law firm, has petitioned the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union, urging them to impose a visa ban on the Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

The petition, dated February 4, 2025, accuses Adejobi of suppressing free speech, enabling police brutality, and using his position to intimidate and unlawfully detain Nigerians critical of the government. The petition cites multiple instances where Adejobi allegedly ordered the arrest and detention of individuals for expressing their opinions online.

The petition highlights Adejobi’s public statements and actions, which it claims demonstrate a blatant disregard for fundamental human rights, particularly freedom of speech. It references a tweet by Adejobi on March 29, 2023, where he stated, “Hurling insults at police officers carrying out their legal duty is criminal and punishable by the criminal laws of Nigeria.” This statement was made in response to a viral incident involving musician Habeeb Okikiola (Portable), whom Adejobi accused of inciting violence against officers.

The petition also mentions a Facebook post in which Adejobi declared that attacking or verbally insulting police officers is an act of disrespect to Nigeria itself.

Cases Cited in the Petition

The petition details several cases where Adejobi allegedly abused his authority to suppress dissent:

  1. Olamide Thomas: In December 2024, Thomas, a nurse and activist, was arrested and detained after posting a video criticizing President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Adejobi. Her arrest was described as a direct attack on freedom of expression.
  2. Destiny Ekhorutomwem: A TikToker was arrested and detained on charges of cyberbullying and cyberstalking under Adejobi’s orders. He was given an impossible bail condition requiring four sureties with assets valued at N2 billion. While in custody, Ekhorutomwem collapsed and was rushed to the National Hospital in Abuja. The petition alleges that Adejobi refused to grant him necessary medical care despite his severe health conditions.
  3. Charles Uche Ihedioha: Adejobi allegedly ordered the arrest and detention of Ihedioha over a comment he made on Twitter. When Ihedioha’s father visited the police station, Adejobi reportedly ordered the detention of the officers who allowed him entry, further highlighting what the petition describes as his “power-drunk tendencies.”

The petition also accuses Adejobi of defending and enabling police brutality. It references a recent report where he allegedly justified the use of excessive force by officers and dismissed calls for accountability. The petition states, “His persistent refusal to hold officers accountable has fostered a culture of impunity within the Nigeria Police Force, where human rights violations are met with silence or outright endorsement.”

Adeyanju’s law firm urged the US and other nations to impose a visa ban on Adejobi, stating that such action would send a strong message that individuals who suppress freedom of speech and undermine democratic principles will not be tolerated.

“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 petition read.

Olumuyiwa Adejobi
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