Activist and human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has stated that the country may continue relying on foreign loans to sustain its budget if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu fails to stop crude oil theft in the Niger Delta region.

Adeyanju, who issued this warning on Friday in Abuja at a press conference, called on the Tinubu administration to take a decisive stance against the widespread theft of crude oil, stressing that journalists like Fisayo Soyombo must be protected in order to expose corruption without fear of harassment.

He alleged that the ongoing investigations into the arrest and detention of Soyombo have been hampered by the interference of security forces, further complicating efforts to address the issue.

Adeyanju criticised the lack of action taken against senior military officers despite numerous complaints regarding their involvement in oil theft.

He warned that unless these activities are curtailed, Nigeria will continue to face severe economic challenges, relying on foreign loans to sustain its budget.

He stated, “We’ve been saying for years that such theft is not possible without the collusion of state actors. Recently, Tompolo himself stated that the Navy is complicit, and our country and economy are struggling.

“It’s crucial for President Tinubu’s government to commit to fighting crude oil theft, and journalists like Soyombo must be protected to expose corruption without harassment.

“We filed a petition against oil theft months ago, but nothing has been done. Complaints have been filed against key officers of the Nigerian Navy, yet no action has been taken to address corruption and collusion within the Navy.

“If we prevent crude oil theft, we won’t need to borrow from countries like China or institutions like the IMF.”

The rights lawyer also condemned the arrest and detention of Dele Farotimi, a lawyer and activist, who was abducted in Lagos by the Nigerian police.

Adeyanju expressed disappointment over the use of police power to intimidate a fellow lawyer, particularly given Dele Farotimi’s prominence in the legal profession.

He condemned the police for acting as instruments of political power, referencing recent cases of alleged defamation, including the prolonged detention of musician Speed Darlington.

Adeyanju decried the continued use of colonial-era defamation laws, which he argued should have been abolished.

“I know Nigeria can be a country of impunity, but even in the face of that, we should put a human face to these activities,” he added.