Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju has announced his intention to take legal action against the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, accusing him of abuse of office, intimidation, and suppression of free speech.
In a viral video released on Wednesday, Adeyanju alleged that Adejobi has been using his position to unlawfully detain critics of the police, turning the Force PRO’s office into an instrument of repression rather than public engagement.
Allegations of Intimidation and Unlawful Detention
According to Adeyanju, Adejobi has been misusing his role by targeting individuals who call for accountability within the police force.
“Nigerians must be mindful of who Muyiwa Adejobi is. He thinks the Police PRO’s job is about surfing the internet and arresting people who criticise the police. He believes his role is to jail those who demand accountability,” Adeyanju stated.
The activist further accused Adejobi of orchestrating the prolonged detention of one of his legal firm’s clients. He claimed the individual was arrested over a social media post related to the kidnapping of the wife of former Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, who was abducted from her residence in Arepo, Ogun State, on January 16.
“Our client has been in custody for 10 days on Adejobi’s instruction. His parents went to plead for his release, but they were humiliated,” Adeyanju alleged.
He also claimed that three police officers who allowed the detained individual’s parents to see him were themselves punished and locked up on Adejobi’s orders.
Condemnation of Police Conduct
Expressing his frustration, Adeyanju questioned Adejobi’s actions and the impact on police accountability.
“Who does he think he is? Is this how we promote accountability in government? Is this what policing should be about? He is turning the Force PRO office into a chaotic space, like a street fight in Oshodi,” he remarked.
Adeyanju vowed to pursue legal action to hold Adejobi accountable, emphasizing that such actions are necessary to deter others in law enforcement from abusing their authority.
“We are taking decisive legal and constitutional steps against him to serve as a warning to others who victimise and witch-hunt citizens. People like him are a threat to democracy and freedom of speech in Nigeria,” he declared.
Warning to Nigerian Police Cybercrime Centre
Adeyanju also criticized the Nigerian Police Cybercrime Centre, warning them against exceeding their mandate.
“The cybercrime unit is not meant to arrest people for opposing the government or criticising the police. Their job is to go after internet fraudsters and cybercriminals,” he stated.
He urged Nigerians to resist individuals like Adejobi, warning that unchecked abuses could erode democratic freedoms.
“If citizens do not take a stand, people like Muyiwa will continue to suppress free speech and endanger our democracy,” he concluded.
As of the time of this report, FPRO Adejobi has yet to respond to the allegations.
