Police abuse: Law firm writes US, UK, Canada, seeks Visa ban for Force PRO Adejobi  

Police abuse: Law firm writes US, UK, Canada, seeks Visa ban for Force PRO Adejobi  

A law firm, Deji Adeyanju and Partners has petitioned the US, UK, Canada and the EU seeking a Visa Ban for Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi and members of his family over what they alleged to be his numerous police abuse and crackdowns against freedom of speech in Nigeria. 

The petition, signed by the law firm’s principal partner Deji Adeyanju accused Adejobi of abusing his office as a police officer in clamping down on Nigerians who make critical comments against him, the police or government officials.  

Part of the petition reads: “ACP Adejobi’s public statement and actions have demonstrated a blatant disregard for fundamental human rights, particularly freedom of speech. On multiple occasions, he has asserted that insulting police officers is a criminal offence in Nigeria, an assertion that legal experts and human rights advocates have widely condemned. 

“…In December 2024, activist and nurse, Olamide Thomas was arrested and detained at the instance of Muyiwa Adejobi after she posted a video on social media in which she expressed her grievance against President Bola Tinubu, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and ACP Adejobi himself. Her arrest and subsequent detention have been viewed as a direct attack on freedom of expression and an example of the misuse of power to suppress dissent.

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“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 record indicates he has been battling severe health conditions. Yet, Adejobi has refused to grant him the necessary care. 

“Most recently, Adejobi took his abuse of power a step further when he ordered the arrest and detention of a Nigerian citizen over a Twitter comment. According to the report, Adejobi used his position to unlawfully detain Mr Charles Uche Ihedioha, simply for expressing an opinion online. This incident underscores his pattern of using state power to silence critics, violating both Nigerian laws and international human rights standards. 

“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 action further highlights Adejobi’s power-drunk tendencies and blatant abuse of authority.” 

The petitioner seeks a visa restriction for Adejobi and members of his family to serve as deterrence for other abusers of power.