TIB Movement calls for FPRO Adejobi’s resignation over property invasion remarks

The Take It Back (TIB) Movement has called for the resignation of Nigerian Police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, following his controversial statement about the powers of police personnel to enter properties without a warrant.

In a statement released on Sunday, signed by TIB’s National Coordinator, Sanyaolu Juwon, the movement condemned Adejobi’s remarks, accusing him of normalising unlawful police conduct and diverting attention from the issue of police brutality.

TIB argued that Adejobi’s comments perpetuate a dangerous narrative that allows police to intrude on citizens’ privacy without due process, undermining the rule of law.

Adejobi had earlier defended a video that showed masked, armed police officers invading a property without a warrant, claiming police can break into any property if they suspect a crime is being committed.

The video sparked public outrage after the officers were seen scaling a fence and firing shots to disperse individuals inside.

TIB, while expressing its concern, said, “As an organization dedicated to upholding human rights and promoting good governance, we refuse to tolerate this blatant disregard for the rule of law and the rights of Nigerian citizens.

“The primary role of the police force is to protect and serve the people, not to act as an instrument of oppression. The notion that the police can break into any house or place where they are ‘reasonably convinced an offense is being committed’ is a slippery slope that opens the door to widespread abuse of power and further erodes trust in law enforcement.”

The movement also criticised Adejobi’s comment about police attire, viewing it as a “blatant attempt to distract from the real issue at hand: the systemic abuse of power and lack of accountability within the Nigerian police force. The Inspector General’s silence on this matter only serves to underscore the deep-rooted issues that plague the institution.”

TIB stressed the silence of the Inspector General of Police on the matter as an indication of the deep-rooted issues within the institution.

In response to the incident, TIB demanded the immediate resignation of both Adejobi and the Inspector General of Police.

The group said, “In light of this inexcusable statement and the ongoing failure to address police misconduct, the Take It Back Movement demands the immediate resignation of both Muyiwa Adejobi and the Inspector General of Police.

“As individuals in positions of authority within law enforcement, they must be held accountable for their actions, and their inability to maintain the integrity of the police force can no longer be ignored.”

The group stressed the need for accountability in law enforcement and called for a comprehensive overhaul of the police system to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights and justice for all.

TIB also urged Nigerians and civil society groups to join in condemning Adejobi’s statement and advocating for reforms within the Nigerian police force.