In response to what he perceives as a growing threat to freedom of speech in Nigeria, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, has vowed a ‘Visa Ban’ advocacy campaign to target police officers and their family members.
Adeyanju’s initiative aims to hold those who undermine free speech accountable by lobbying for restrictions on their international travel, including their ability to study or vacation abroad.
The ‘Visa Ban’ advocacy will extend to the family members of police officers implicated in acts that suppress free speech, thereby increasing pressure on the individuals responsible. Adeyanju asserts that his efforts will “go after everyone in the police” who seeks to stifle the voices of Nigerian citizens.
Taking to his social media handle on Friday morning, he wrote, “Small talk, plenty action is our motto. We will go after everyone in the police attacking freedom of speech in Nigeria. You and your family members will feel it so much soon. From today, not only will we commence VISA BAN advocacy against you all but also your family members. They will not be able to study abroad or go there for holidays.”
In recent times, Nigeria has seen a concerning trend of individuals being arrested and detained for expressing their opinions online.
Notable cases include Nurse Abiodun Thomas, who was reportedly abducted from her home in Lagos and flown to Abuja, and activist Omoyele Sowore, who was detained after his comment on the tenure of the Inspector General of Police.
The list continues with the recent arrest of Charles Uche Ihedioha, a 31-year-old social media user, who was taken into custody by the Nigeria Police Force over a comment he made on the abduction of Folasade Odumosu, wife of retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu.
This spate of arrests raises questions about the state of free speech and press freedom in Nigeria, as well as the potential chilling effect on citizens’ willingness to express themselves openly on matters of public interest.
In August last year, the Nigerian government, through the office of the inspector general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, arraigned 76 young people, including 32 children below the age of 18 in court for ‘participating in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests.’ .
Although the nationwide protest was against poor governance and the economic hardship brought about by the government’s policies—with the demonstrators calling for a reduction in the costs of governance and the reinstatement of petrol subsidy, food security and greater fiscal responsibility—the protesters were charged with treason, intent to destabilize Nigeria and inciting to mutiny.
Leave a Reply