Human rights lawyer Adeyanju Deji has petitioned the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and European nations to impose a visa ban on ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Police, due to allegations of human rights violations and a crackdown on freedom of speech in Nigeria.
In a post shared on social media on Friday, Deji noted that ACP Adejobi has made numerous constitutional errors that undermine democracy in the country. He also urged that the visa ban be extended to include Adejobi’s immediate family members.
“We have petitioned the US, UK, Canada & EU to place a Visa Ban on Police PRO Muyiwa Adejobi and members of his family for his numerous crackdowns against freedom of speech in Nigeria. We will take other constitutional steps against him and other anti-democratic elements.” Deji stated.
Deji cited specific infractions committed by Adejobi, including a comment in which the ACP claimed that insulting police officers while they are performing their duties is a criminal offence punishable by law.
He also highlighted the ongoing arrests of government critics, allegedly ordered by Adejobi, simply for expressing differing opinions about the Nigerian Police Force and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. Deji stated that these actions contravene Nigerian laws and international human rights standards.
He called on the United States to implement the visa ban, emphasizing that violations of citizens’ rights must not go unaddressed.
