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 Nigeria has had Police Public Relations Officers who performed their duties professionally without resorting to intimidation. However, recent developments indicate a disturbing trend of suppressing free speech through arrests and excessive legal actions. Any administration that Jails Its citizens for criticism risks imprisoning everyone


Pre-eminent activist Deji Adeyanju has petitioned the U.S. Embassy to impose a visa ban on Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi due to multiple human rights violations, including:


In December 2024, nurse and activist Olamide Thomas was arrested for criticizing President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and ACP Adejobi on social media.


TikToker Destiny Ekhorutomwem was detained for alleged cyberbullying under ACP Adejobi’s directives.


His bail conditions—four sureties with assets valued at ₦2 billion—were excessive and punitive, violating his right to a fair trial under Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.


While in custody, he collapsed and was hospitalized, raising concerns about inhumane treatment.


In March 2023, ACP Adejobi allegedly declared that criticizing police officers is a criminal offense.


These actions contradict international human rights norms and set a dangerous precedent for freedom of speech.


The actions of ACP Adejobi, as outlined in Adeyanju’s petition, reflect a pattern of authoritarianism within the Nigerian Police Force. His directives violate Nigerian constitutional provisions and breach international human rights laws.


Visa bans have historically been effective in holding human rights violators accountable. The Global Magnitsky Act, enacted by the U.S., imposes sanctions on individuals responsible for corruption and human rights abuses. Similar sanctions were imposed on Nigerian officials after the #EndSARS protests in 2020. A visa ban on ACP Adejobi would serve as a strong deterrent against further abuses.


These incidents once again expose deep-seated issues of police arrest, lack of accountability, and suppression of fundamental freedoms in Nigeria. The excessive force used by the police violates both domestic and international legal frameworks.


Amnesty International’s report, "Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests," highlights severe human rights violations, including:


Extrajudicial Killings: At least 24 protesters, including two children and an elderly person, were reportedly killed in Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, and Niger States.


Mass Arrests and Detentions: Over 1,200 individuals, including minors, were arbitrarily detained.


Excessive Use of Force: Security forces used live ammunition, tear gas, and other violent tactics to disperse unarmed protesters.


These actions violate Section 33(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, and Section 40, which protects the right to peaceful assembly. Additionally, Nigeria is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, both of which prohibit arbitrary killings and uphold the right to peaceful protest.


It was a positive development that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the release of minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests.


Suppressing criticism is contrary to democratic governance. Criticism has historically shaped leadership in Nigeria and globally. Former President Goodluck Jonathan faced scrutiny from Nigerians. Other Nigerian leaders have also endured criticism, just as U.S. President Donald Trump was heavily criticized for his executive orders. Even former President George W. Bush remains Wikipedia’s most edited figure, reflecting the importance of public debate in democratic systems.


Transporting a suspect from Lagos to Abuja—alongside multiple officers—creates a significant financial burden that could be redirected toward public welfare.


Public funds should be utilized transparently in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007, which mandates prudent public spending. The lack of oversight in police expenditure raises serious concerns about financial accountability.


A functional democracy thrives on freedom of expression, as enshrined in Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Article 19 of the ICCPR. Suppressing criticism through intimidation and unlawful arrests undermines the rule of law.


The international community must continue to monitor Nigeria’s human rights record and take decisive action—such as targeted sanctions and legal reforms. The Nigerian government must ensure that security agencies operate within constitutional and legal boundaries and champion a system that upholds justice, transparency, and democratic values.


By Daniel Okonkwo

Profile International Human Rights Advocate.


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