Deji Adeyanju, others call for US visa ban on Nigeria police PRO, Adejobi

A public interest law firm, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, has petitioned the United States government to impose a visa restriction on Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, over alleged human rights violations and suppression of free speech.

In a letter addressed to the US Ambassador in Nigeria, the firm accused Adejobi of consistently using his position to intimidate Nigerian citizens and crack down on freedom of expression.

The petition cited several instances where Adejobi allegedly ordered the arrest and detention of individuals for criticizing law enforcement officers or public officials.

One notable case mentioned was the December 2024 arrest of activist and nurse Olamide Thomas, who was detained after posting a video expressing grievances against President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and ACP Adejobi himself.

The firm described her detention as a direct attack on freedom of speech and an abuse of power.

The petition also referenced the case of a TikToker, Destiny Ekhorutomwem, who was arrested for cyberbullying under Adejobi’s directives. Ekhorutomwem was reportedly given an “impossible” bail condition requiring four sureties with assets worth ₦2 billion. While in detention, he collapsed and was rushed to the National Hospital in Abuja, yet was allegedly denied proper medical care.

Another incident involved a Nigerian citizen, Charles Uche Ihedioha, who was reportedly arrested over a Twitter comment critical of Adejobi. The firm claimed that when Ihedioha’s father, Nathaniel Ihedioha, visited the police station to see his son, Adejobi allegedly ordered the detention of the officers who granted him entry.

Deji Adeyanju & Partners argued that Adejobi’s actions promote authoritarian policing and foster a culture of impunity within the Nigeria Police Force. They urged the US government to not only impose a visa ban on Adejobi but also extend the restriction to his immediate family members as a deterrent against further rights violations.

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The petition emphasized that suppressing free speech is against democratic values upheld by the US and that Adejobi’s alleged abuses should not go unpunished.