Nigerian lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju has petitioned the governments of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Canada and the European Union over a crack down on free speech by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
In a petition sent to the listed country governments, Adeyanju, through his law firm, Deji Adeyanju & Partners called for a visa ban to be imposed on the FPRO and his family members.
He alleged that the FPRO has overtime continued to demonstrate an utmost disregard for human rights by using his position as a top brass in the Nigeria Police Force to suppress dissent and target individuals critical of the government.
In a letter dated, February 4, 2025, the human rights lawyer said on multiple occasions, Adejobi has asserted that speaking against the Police Force or its officers is now an offence in Nigeria.
Listing several cases which are currently be handled by his law firm and instituted by the FPRO against Nigerians, especially the young people, Adeyanju said, “For example, in a widely circulated tweet on March 29, 2023, ACP Adejobi stated that “hurling insults at Police Officers carrying out their legal duty is criminal and punishable by the criminal laws of Nigeria.”
Some of the individuals affected by Adejobi’s new assertion as listed by Adeyanju include, a Nigerian musician Habeeb Okikiola (Portable), a nurse Olamide Thomas who was arrested in December 2024 for critising the Inspector General of Police and Seyi, a son to President Bola Tinubu.
Other cases include, that of TikToker Destiny Ekhorutomwem, who was detained for cyberbullying and cyberstalking under Adejobi’s directives; a citizen Charles Uche Ihedioha over a Twitter comment.
Adeyaju added that beyond the cases so far listed, Adejobi has consistently defended police brutality against Nigeria’s citizens.
Calling for decisive action against Adejobi, the firm said, “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.
“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,” it said.
