Nigerian activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has petitioned the governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union, calling for a visa ban on Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and his family.
In a petition submitted through his law firm, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, the activist accused Adejobi of systematically suppressing free speech and using his position in the Nigeria Police Force to target individuals critical of the government.
Dated February 4, 2025, the petition highlighted instances where Adejobi allegedly criminalized dissent, including a tweet on March 29, 2023, where he reportedly stated that “hurling insults at police officers carrying out their legal duty is criminal and punishable under Nigerian law.”
Adeyanju listed several individuals allegedly affected by this stance, including musician Habeeb Okikiola (Portable), nurse Olamide Thomas—who was arrested in December 2024 for criticizing the Inspector General of Police—and Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu. Others include TikToker Destiny Ekhorutomwem, who was detained for alleged cyberbullying, and Charles Uche Ihedioha, who was reportedly arrested over a social media comment.
Beyond these cases, Adeyanju accused Adejobi of consistently defending police brutality and justifying excessive force used by officers.
He urged foreign governments to take action, emphasizing that imposing a visa ban would send a strong message against human rights violations and suppression of free speech in Nigeria.