Nigeria: Soyombo/Farotimi - Nigeria's Battle With Impunity Approaching Its Peak - Deji Adeyanju

7 December 2024

Abuja — Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the growing impunity in Nigeria, drawing attention to recent cases of government alleged overreach and corruption.

During a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Adeyanju discussed the arrest of veteran journalist Fisayo Soyombo, who was detained after investigating illegal bunkering activities in the Niger Delta.

He also called on President Bola Tinubu's administration to take a decisive stance against the widespread theft of crude oil, stressing that journalists like Soyombo must be protected in order to expose corruption without fear of harassment.

He pointed out that ongoing investigations into the matter had been hampered by the interference of security forces, further complicating efforts to address the issue.

Adeyanju criticised the lack of action taken against senior military officers despite numerous complaints regarding their involvement in oil theft. He warned that unless these activities are curtailed, Nigeria will continue to face severe economic challenges, relying on foreign loans to sustain its budget.

He stated, "We've been saying for years that such theft is not possible without the collusion of state actors. Recently, Tompolo himself stated that the Navy is complicit, and our country and economy are struggling.

"It's crucial for President Tinubu's government to commit to fighting crude oil theft, and journalists like Soyombo must be protected to expose corruption without harassment.

"We filed a petition against oil theft months ago, but nothing has been done. Complaints have been filed against key officers of the Nigerian Navy, yet no action has been taken to address corruption and collusion within the Navy.

"If we prevent crude oil theft, we won't need to borrow from countries like China or institutions like the IMF."

The briefing also addressed the arrest and detention of Dele Farotimi, a lawyer and activist, who was abducted in Lagos by the Nigerian police.

Adeyanju expressed disappointment over the use of police power to intimidate a fellow lawyer, particularly given Farotimi's prominence in the legal profession.

He condemned the police for acting as instruments of political power, referencing recent cases of alleged defamation, including the prolonged detention of musician Speed Darlington.

Adeyanju decried the continued use of colonial-era defamation laws, which he argued should have been abolished.

"I know Nigeria can be a country of impunity, but even in the face of that, we should put a human face to these activities," he added.

Adeyanju also addressed the recent controversy surrounding his own alleged defamatory remarks about political figures, particularly Umar Damagun, the Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, the Acting National Secretary of PDP.

He expressed indifference to potential legal repercussions, but clarified that he had chosen to withdraw his statements to avoid unnecessary distractions

He stated, "If you think I'm afraid, so be it. If you think I'm not afraid, I have said they are not that important to me. I hereby withdraw the alleged defamatory remarks because I don't want to engage in back-and-forth with anyone.

"I have told them to hold the government accountable and criticise it. That's my main issue with them," he emphasised.

In addition to these issues, Prophetess QueenEsther Anthony, Senior Pastor of Higher Favour Intercontinental Church in Abuja, shared her own experience of police violence and land seizure.

She explained how police officers, allegedly acting on the orders of a government minister, forcibly evicted her workers and destroyed property on her land in Abuja.

Despite her legal ownership and recent recertification of the property, she was left without a place to worship or run her business. She called for justice and expressed her frustration with the government's disregard for property rights.

"We are seeking justice through the judiciary and trust God for vengeance. The Minister should not treat us this way, and the police should not act violently," she lamented.

Adeyanju also raised concerns about the ongoing tax reform bills, noting that even senators had not seen the bills until public outcry forced their release.

He promised to carefully review the legislation before commenting on its merits, stating that his position would be based on a thorough understanding of the bill's content.

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