A Nigerian law firm, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, has issued a formal appeal to the United States Embassy in Abuja, urging immediate action to impose a visa ban against the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi,
The petition alleged a pattern of human rights violations, abuse of power, and suppression of free speech by ACP Adejobi.
The letter, dated February 4, 2025, detailed multiple incidents where ACP Adejobi’s actions allegedly contradicted democratic principles and fundamental human rights. “ACP Adejobi’s public statements and actions have demonstrated a blatant disregard for fundamental human rights, particularly freedom of speech,” the letter stated.
One cited example was a March 2023 social media post by ACP Adejobi, where he asserted that criticising police officers constitutes a criminal act. This remark followed public backlash against police handling of an altercation involving a popular Nigerian musician, which Adejobi reportedly condemned as “unruly” and inciting violence. According to the firm, his statement “was widely condemned by legal experts and human rights advocates.”
The petition signed by the principal counsel of the firm, Deji Adeyanju, also highlighted specific cases of alleged misuse of authority. “In December 2024, activist and nurse Olamide Thomas was arrested after posting grievances on social media against President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and ACP Adejobi. Her arrest and subsequent detention sparked public outrage, with rights groups describing it as a direct attack on freedom of expression,” the statement added.
Citing another example, the letter stated, “Furthermore, Destiny Ekhorutomwem, a TikToker, was arrested and detained by the Nigerian police for cyberbullying and cyberstalking under the orders of ACP Adejobi. He was given an impossible bail condition requiring four sureties with assets valued at N2 billion. While in custody, he collapsed and was rushed to the National Hospital in Abuja. His medical records indicate that he has
been battling severe health conditions, yet Adejobi has refused to grant him necessary medical care.”
The letter also underscored the broader implications of Adejobi’s actions. “These public statements demonstrate ACP Adejobi’s opposition to free speech, a core democratic value upheld by the United States,” the letter states. It further accused him of enabling police brutality by dismissing calls for accountability within the Police Force.
The letter alleged that ACP Adejobi has defended and enabled police brutality in Nigeria. According to the letter, “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. 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.”
The appeal emphasised that imposing a visa restriction would “send a strong message that individuals who suppress freedom of speech and undermine democratic principles will not be welcomed in the United States.” Additionally, the law firm requested that the restriction be extended to members of Adejobi’s immediate family, referencing precedents in similar cases.
“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. Attached are the documents related to our claims for your review. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary,” the letter concluded.
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