Deji Adeyanju Accuses Police Spokesperson of Abusing Power, Suppressing Free Speech
Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has accused Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigerian Police, of abusing his office by suppressing free speech and unlawfully detaining citizens critical of the police.
In a video that went viral on Wednesday, Adeyanju claimed that Adejobi had turned his position into a tool for intimidation rather than public relations. The activist specifically criticized Adejobi for allegedly using his authority to arrest those calling for accountability within the police force.
“Nigerians must be aware of who Muyiwa Adejobi is. He seems to think that the role of the Police PRO is about monitoring social media and arresting anyone who criticizes the police,” Adeyanju stated in the video. “He believes it’s about jailing individuals who call for accountability.”
Adeyanju further accused Adejobi of instructing the arrest of one of his legal firm’s clients over a social media post about the abduction of the wife of former Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, on January 16 in Ogun State. The client, according to Adeyanju, has been in custody for 10 days under Adejobi’s orders. The activist also claimed that when the detained individual’s parents visited to plead for his release, they were subjected to humiliation, and three officers who allowed the parents access to their son were locked up on Adejobi’s orders.
In his remarks, Adeyanju questioned Adejobi’s conduct and its impact on democracy. He argued, “Who does he think he is? Is this how we promote accountability in government? Is this what policing should be about?” He also expressed outrage over Adejobi’s alleged actions, likening his handling of the Force PRO office to a chaotic street fight in Oshodi.
Adeyanju vowed to take legal action against Adejobi, describing his actions as a violation of citizens’ rights and freedom of speech. “We are taking decisive legal and constitutional steps against him to serve as a deterrent to others in the police force who victimise and witch-hunt citizens,” Adeyanju said.
The activist also issued a warning to the Nigerian Police Cybercrime Centre, urging them not to overstep their mandate by arresting individuals who criticize the government or the police. “The work of the cyber centre is to target internet fraud and cybercriminals, not those opposing or criticizing the police,” he emphasized.
Adeyanju called on Nigerians to resist the actions of individuals like Adejobi, warning that their unchecked actions could shrink the space for free speech and endanger the country’s democracy. “People like Muyiwa must be stopped by citizens, or else they will continue to diminish free speech and put our democracy at risk,” he warned.
Efforts to reach Adejobi for comment were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered, and he has not yet responded to a text message sent on the matter.
