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Public interest law firm, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, has petitioned the U.S., UK, Canada, and the European Union to impose a visa ban on Assistant Commissioner of Police, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The petition, sighted on Friday alleged that Adejobi, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force has consistently demonstrated a disregard for human rights, using his position to suppress dissent and target individuals critical of the government.
Addressed to the US Ambassador in Abuja and dated February 4, the law firm noted that, Adejobi’s public statements and actions have contributed to an environment of intimidation against free expression in Nigeria.
For instance, in a post via X on March 29, 2023, ACP Adejobi stated, “hurling insults at Police Officers carrying out their legal duty is criminal and punishable by the criminal laws of Nigeria.”
READ ALSO:Raining Curses On Someone Online Is A Crime, Not Freedom Of Expression – Adejobi
The petition highlights several cases, including the arrest of activist and nurse Olamide Thomas, who criticized President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Adejobi himself in a video.
Other cases mentioned include the detention of TikToker Destiny Ekhorutomwem for cyberbullying and cyberstalking, and the arrest of Nigerian citizen Charles Uche Ihedioha over a Twitter comment.
The law firm however urged the US and other nations to take decisive action, stating that individuals who suppress freedom of speech and undermine democratic principles should not be welcomed in their countries.
“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,” the firm said.
See petition below –
English (US) ·