The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has called on Nigerians to educate themselves about the country’s legal system, stressing that these laws are publicly available and should be understood by all citizens.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, Adejobi explained that Nigeria operates under two primary criminal laws: the Criminal Code, which applies in the southern states, and the Penal Code, which governs the northern region.
He also pointed out that several other laws, commonly referred to as miscellaneous acts, complement these two codes in regulating various aspects of public conduct.
In his message, Adejobi emphasized that ignorance of the law is no excuse, urging citizens to take responsibility for learning about their rights and obligations.
He encouraged Nigerians to access legal resources, noting that these laws are not confidential documents but are readily available for those who seek them.
The spokesperson further reiterated that Nigeria is a country governed by law and order, dismissing any notion of lawlessness.
His post concluded with a call to action, encouraging citizens to take the initiative to understand legal provisions that govern their daily lives.
Allegations of Misuse of Power
Adejobi’s remarks come amid growing criticism from human rights activist Deji Adeyanju, who has accused him of abusing his position to suppress free speech.
Adeyanju and his legal team recently petitioned the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union, urging them to impose a visa ban on the police spokesman.
The petition alleges that Adejobi has ordered unlawful arrests and detentions of individuals who expressed dissenting opinions on social media. Furthermore, it accuses him of using his influence to justify police misconduct, thereby enabling a culture of intimidation and repression.
These allegations have fueled an ongoing debate about law enforcement practices in Nigeria, particularly regarding the balance between maintaining public order and protecting fundamental human rights.
While Adejobi insists on the importance of understanding the law, critics argue that the law must also be applied fairly and without bias.
As discussions continue, the role of law enforcement in a democratic society remains under scrutiny, with many Nigerians calling for greater accountability and reforms within the police force.