US, UK, Others To Impose Visa Ban On Nigerian Police PRO, Family
Deji Adeyanju & Partners, a public interest law firm, has petitioned 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, over alleged crackdowns on freedom of speech.
The petition alleges that Adejobi has consistently demonstrated a disregard for human rights, using his position to suppress dissent and target individuals critical of the government.
The law firm argues that his public statements and actions have contributed to an environment of intimidation against free expression in Nigeria.
A copy of the letter on Friday was addressed to the US Ambassador in Abuja and dated February 4, 2025.
It reads, “We urgently appeal to the United States of America to impose a visa restriction on Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the current Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force.
“ACP Adejobi’s public statements 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 offense in Nigeria, an assertion that legal experts and human rights advocates have widely condemned.
“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.”
“This statement was made in response to a viral incident involving musician Habeeb Okikiola (Portable), in which Adejobi labeled his behavior as “unruly” and inciting violence against officers.
“Furthermore, he reiterated this stance in a Facebook post, declaring that attacking or even verbally insulting police officers is an act of disrespect to Nigeria itself.”
The petition also highlights the December 2024 arrest of activist and nurse Olamide Thomas, allegedly ordered by Adejobi, after she criticised President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Adejobi himself in a video.
“Her arrest and subsequent detention have been viewed as a direct attack on freedom of expression,” the law firm said.
Another case referenced is that of TikToker Destiny Ekhorutomwem, who was detained for cyberbullying and cyberstalking under Adejobi’s directives.
“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,” the firm said.
The petition further accuses Adejobi of ordering the arrest of Nigerian citizen Charles Uche Ihedioha over a Twitter comment.
It reads, “ Most recently, ACP Adejobi took his abuse of power a step further by ordering the arrest and detention of a Nigerian citizen over a Twitter comment. According to reports, 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 his blatant abuse of authority.”
Additionally, 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.”
Beyond these individual cases, the petition alleges that Adejobi has consistently defended police brutality.
“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,” the firm said.
The law firm urges the US and other nations to take decisive action.
“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.
