Adeyanju Petitions US, UK, Others to Impose Visa Ban on Nigerian Police PRO Adejobi, Family Over Free Speech Suppression
February 7, 2025
Deji Adeyanju & Partners, a prominent public interest law firm, has called on 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.
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The petition alleges that Adejobi has consistently used his position to suppress freedom of speech and target individuals critical of the Nigerian government.
Key Allegations Against ACP Adejobi
The petition highlights several instances where Adejobi allegedly abused his authority to stifle dissent and violate human rights:
- Criminalizing Criticism of Police Officers
Adejobi has repeatedly stated that insulting police officers is a criminal offense in Nigeria. In a widely circulated tweet on March 29, 2023, he declared, “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. - Arrest of Activist Olamide Thomas
In December 2024, Adejobi allegedly ordered the arrest of activist and nurse Olamide Thomas after she criticized President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Adejobi himself in a video. Her detention has been widely condemned as an attack on freedom of expression. - Detention of TikToker Destiny Ekhorutomwem
Adejobi reportedly directed the arrest of TikToker Destiny Ekhorutomwem for cyberbullying and cyberstalking. Ekhorutomwem was given impossible bail conditions, including four sureties with assets valued at N2 billion. He collapsed while in custody and was rushed to the National Hospital in Abuja. - Arrest of Charles Uche Ihedioha Over Twitter Comment
Adejobi allegedly ordered the arrest of Charles Uche Ihedioha over a Twitter comment. When Ihedioha’s father, Nathaniel Ihedioha, visited the police station to see his son, Adejobi reportedly ordered the detention of the officers who granted him access, further demonstrating his abuse of power. - Defending Police Brutality
The petition also accuses Adejobi of justifying excessive force used by police officers and dismissing calls for accountability, further entrenching a culture of impunity within the Nigeria Police Force.
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Call for International Action
Deji Adeyanju & Partners has urged the US, UK, Canada, and the EU to impose visa restrictions on Adejobi and his family. The law firm argues that such action would send a strong message that individuals who suppress freedom of speech and undermine democratic principles will face consequences.
“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 stated.
Why This Matters
Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democracy, and the alleged actions of ACP Adejobi represent a significant threat to this fundamental right in Nigeria. By petitioning international bodies, Deji Adeyanju & Partners aims to hold Adejobi accountable and deter similar abuses of power in the future.
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This petition underscores the growing concern over the Nigerian government’s crackdown on dissent and the urgent need for international intervention to protect human rights and democratic values.
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