Adeyanju Petitions US, UK, Others To Impose Visa Ban On Police PRO Adejobi For Suppressing Free Speech

The petition alleges that Adejobi has constantly demonstrated a disregard for human rights, utilizing his place to suppress dissent and goal people essential of the federal government.

The regulation agency argues that his public statements and actions have contributed to an atmosphere of intimidation in opposition to free expression in Nigeria.

A replica of the letter obtained on Friday was addressed to the US Ambassador in Abuja and dated February 4, 2025.

It reads, “We urgently enchantment to the US of America to impose a visa restriction on Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the present Drive Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Drive.

“ACP Adejobi’s public statements and actions have demonstrated a blatant disregard for elementary human rights, significantly freedom of speech. On a number of events, he has asserted that insulting cops is a felony offense in Nigeria, an assertion that authorized consultants and human rights advocates have extensively condemned.

“For instance, in a extensively circulated tweet on March 29, 2023, ACP Adejobi acknowledged that “hurling insults at Police Officers finishing up their authorized responsibility is felony and punishable by the felony legal guidelines of Nigeria.”

“This assertion was made in response to a viral incident involving musician Habeeb Okikiola (Portable), by which Adejobi labeled his habits as “unruly” and inciting violence in opposition to officers.

“Moreover, he reiterated this stance in a Fb publish, declaring that attacking and even verbally insulting cops is an act of disrespect to Nigeria itself.”

The petition additionally highlights the December 2024 arrest of activist and nurse Olamide Thomas, allegedly ordered by Adejobi, after she criticised President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-Common of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Adejobi himself in a video.

“Her arrest and subsequent detention have been considered as a direct assault on freedom of expression,” the regulation agency mentioned.

One other case referenced is that of TikToker Future Ekhorutomwem, who was detained for cyberbullying and cyberstalking beneath Adejobi’s directives.

“He was given an inconceivable bail situation requiring 4 sureties with property valued at N2 billion. Whereas in custody, he collapsed and was rushed to the Nationwide Hospital in Abuja,” the agency mentioned.

The petition additional accuses Adejobi of ordering the arrest of Nigerian citizen Charles Uche Ihedioha over a Twitter remark.

It reads, “Most lately, ACP Adejobi took his abuse of energy a step additional by ordering the arrest and detention of a Nigerian citizen over a Twitter remark. In response to stories, Adejobi used his place to unlawfully detain Mr. Charles Uche Ihedioha merely for expressing an opinion on-line.

“This incident underscores his sample of utilizing state energy to silence critics, violating each Nigerian legal guidelines and worldwide human rights requirements.

“When Mr. Daniel’s father, Mr. Nathaniel Ihedioha went to the police station to see his son, ACP Adejobi ordered that the officers who granted him entry be locked up. This motion additional highlights Adejobi’s power-drunk tendencies and his blatant abuse of authority.”

Moreover, it states that when the detainee’s father, Nathaniel Ihedioha, visited the police station to see his son, “ACP Adejobi ordered that the officers who granted him entry be locked up.”

Past these particular person circumstances, the petition alleges that Adejobi has constantly defended police brutality.

“In a latest report, he justified extreme pressure utilized by officers and dismissed requires accountability, additional proving his complicity within the continued abuse of Nigerian residents,” the agency mentioned.

The regulation agency urges the US and different nations to take decisive motion.

“We consider such motion would ship a robust message that people who suppress freedom of speech and undermine democratic ideas is not going to be welcomed in the US,” it mentioned.