Nigerian Police Arrest Prominent Human Rights Activist Over Criticism of Police Brutality
Nigerian human rights advocate Abiodun Olamide Thomas was arrested by police for criticizing police brutality in a Facebook post. The Nigeria Police Force detained Thomas on Friday morning at her Lagos residence after her condemnation. Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun allegedly sanctioned her arrest, raising concerns over the government’s crackdown on activism.
Condemnation of the Arrest by Advocacy Groups
The Take-It-Back Movement (TIB), a leading human rights organization in Nigeria, swiftly condemned the arrest, calling for the immediate release of Thomas. In a statement issued on social media, TIB expressed outrage over what it described as an unlawful detention. According to the organization, the arrest stemmed from a Facebook video in which Thomas accused the police of engaging in excessive brutality and lawless behavior. The movement has accused the government of suppressing dissent through such actions.
A History of Advocacy Against Police Excesses
Thomas has criticized police misconduct for years, gaining attention during the 2020 #EndSARS protests against police brutality. In October 2024, she shared her traumatic experience of police abuse, including assault, theft, and phone destruction. Her ongoing advocacy for police reform has made her a target, with recent reports revealing concerns over her safety.
Targeted by Police for Criticizing the Force
In November 2024, Thomas alleged that she was being specifically targeted by the Nigerian Police Force due to her outspoken criticism. She claimed that ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, had personally accused her of bullying Nigerians, including himself, in her social media posts. According to Thomas, Adejobi had instructed officers to monitor her activities and arrest her if the opportunity arose. This statement was made public as Thomas grew increasingly fearful for her safety.
Resonance Across Activist Circles
The arrest of Thomas has sparked widespread outrage, with many activists and human rights advocates voicing their disapproval. Omoyele Sowore, a well-known Nigerian activist, condemned the arrest, stating that it was an attempt to silence those who speak out against the police’s excesses. Sowore further claimed that the decision to detain Thomas was personally orchestrated by ACP Adejobi, calling the act “completely unacceptable.”
Alleged Use of Family Members to Track Activist
Sources report that Thomas was initially detained at Alade Police Station and later transferred to the State Command in Ikeja. The police allegedly used Thomas’s brother to track her, adding to the controversy surrounding her arrest. The Take-It-Back Movement has urged Nigerians to hold the police accountable for suppressing dissent, though neither the Nigeria Police Force nor ACP Adejobi has commented.
This arrest signals a worrying trend for human rights advocacy in Nigeria, raising concerns about freedom of expression. As activists demand her release, the incident underscores the ongoing fight for justice and police reform in Nigeria.
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