Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has accused the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, of suppressing free speech and using his position to intimidate citizens, including unlawfully detaining individuals who criticise the police.

In a viral video released on Wednesday, Adeyanju claimed that Adejobi had turned his role into a tool of repression rather than a public relations post.

The activist specifically pointed out Adejobi’s alleged actions regarding the arrest of one of his clients, who had posted on social media about the abduction of the wife of former Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, in Ogun State on January 16.

Adeyanju accused Adejobi of instructing the detention of his client for 10 days. He also alleged that when the client’s parents attempted to visit their son, they were humiliated, and three officers who allowed them access were detained on Adejobi’s orders.

“These actions are an abuse of power,” Adeyanju said, expressing concern about the implications for Nigeria’s democracy.

“This is not how accountability should be promoted in government, nor is this what policing should be about.”

The activist vowed to take legal action against Adejobi, stressing that such conduct undermines citizens’ rights and freedom of speech.

“We are taking legal and constitutional steps against him,” Adeyanju added, “to serve as a deterrent to others in the police force who victimise and witch-hunt citizens.”

Adeyanju also criticised the Nigerian Police Cybercrime Centre, warning that its focus should be on cybercrime, not targeting individuals for opposing or criticising the government or the police.

He urged Nigerians to stand up against such actions to protect democracy and free speech, cautioning that unchecked actions like Adejobi’s could shrink civic space.

“People like Muyiwa must be stopped by citizens or else they will continue to diminish free speech and put our democracy at risk,” he said.