CSO asks embassies to disregard call for visa ban on force spokesperson

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance has asked foreign embassies in Nigeria to disregard the visa restriction petition against Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

In a rejoinder signed by Olalekan Johnson, the coalition’s secretary-general, on Monday, the group said the petition was based on falsehoods and deliberate misrepresentation of facts.

The coalition described the petition as a product of an “ongoing conspiracy” against the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police.

“We write in response to a petition recently submitted to the United States Embassy and others by one Deji Adeyanju, in which he requested visa restrictions against Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF),” the coalition said.

“This petition by Adeyanju, which is based on falsehoods and deliberate misrepresentation of facts, is a product of an ongoing conspiracy against the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, and his management team.

“It is important to clarify that ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi is a highly professional and dedicated police officer who has served the Nigeria Police Force meritoriously for over two decades.

“Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to law enforcement, public engagement, and the protection of fundamental human rights.

“As the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Adejobi has worked tirelessly to promote human rights, enhance a cordial relationship between the police and the public, and improve police-citizens interactions in an unprecedented manner.”

The group noted that Adejobi’s statements on social media have been misinterpreted and taken out of context in an attempt to malign his character.

“His remarks, which emphasize the importance of respect for law enforcement officers, align with international best practices and are not, in any way, a suppression of free speech,” the group said.

“The petition against him is merely a diversionary tactic designed to discredit the police force and create public unrest.

“The call for a visa ban on ACP Adejobi is simply a ploy to lend credibility to the baseless claims while distracting from a broader agenda of discrediting the Nigeria Police Force.

“Your Excellency, the Nigeria Police Force remains a critical institution in safeguarding peace, security, and democratic governance in our country. The Embassy of the United States has long been an advocate of truth and justice, and I trust that this petition will be treated with the scrutiny it deserves.”