In an exclusive conversation with S24 Television, prominent rights activist Deji Adeyanju recounted a series of encounters with Nigeria’s security agencies, alleging repeated harassment and politically motivated arrests aimed at silencing dissenting voices.
Adeyanju recalled one of his most unsettling experiences, which began with what appeared to be a routine police invitation. He explained that officers had asked those previously granted bail to return to the station.
However, on arrival, he was detained and charged with offenses linked to individuals he insists he had never met.
According to him, matters escalated after he publicly accused senior military and government officials of diverting funds meant for the fight against Boko Haram.
Soon after, he was rearrested and faced charges of terrorism and money laundering.
“These charges were never about justice,” Adeyanju told S24 TV. “They were about silencing criticism and intimidating anyone who dares to demand accountability.”
Despite these ordeals, Adeyanju emphasized his continued commitment to civic action, recalling protests he organized at police headquarters when, in his view, the force had grown increasingly partisan under the Buhari administration. He warned that silence in the face of corruption only emboldens wrongdoing.
Looking forward, Adeyanju outlined reforms he believes are vital to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and safeguarding civic freedoms. He argued that change must begin in police colleges, where officers should be trained as protectors of citizens’ rights, especially the right to peaceful assembly.
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He further called for independent oversight bodies to hold security agencies accountable, stronger judicial safeguards to prevent the misuse of terrorism laws, and formal protection frameworks for activists and whistleblowers.
“Freedom of assembly is not a privilege,” Adeyanju stressed. “It is a constitutional right, even the police themselves enjoy it. Until leaders accept that dissent is part of democracy, reforms will remain only on paper.”
His remarks highlight ongoing concerns over Nigeria’s shrinking civic space, where critics of government policies and security operations frequently face arrests, intimidation, and drawn-out trials.
