By Danjuma Lamido
In recent days, the public space has been awash with misinformation, sensationalism, and deliberate attempts to smear the character of individuals within the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the respected Force Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi. At the centre of this propaganda is the allegation that ACP Adejobi instructed one Aku Victor Chiemerie, a police officer, to snatch the AI-powered Ray-Ban glasses belonging to political activist Omoyele Sowore during a protest.
Let us be clear: there is no credible evidence whatsoever to support the claim that ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi gave such an order. This allegation, like many others that arise from politically motivated quarters, is baseless, malicious, and a calculated attempt to discredit a senior officer known for professionalism, transparency, and reform-driven communication within the Force.
First, it is essential to consider the context. Mr. Sowore, known for his confrontational activism, staged a protest in support of police welfare—an irony not lost on many—yet the event took a dramatic turn with unverified reports of police aggression. In the heat of such protests, where tensions naturally run high, confusion and confrontation are not uncommon. However, to suggest that a senior officer stationed in Abuja or at Force Headquarters would micromanage a street-level operation to the point of ordering the seizure of an eyeglass—AI-powered or not—is not only implausible but absurd.
Secondly, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi has consistently been an advocate for human rights and improved police-civilian relations. His tenure as Force PRO has seen a marked shift in police communication—more transparent, more responsive, and more aligned with democratic values. He is not known for repression but for engagement. To accuse him of a petty and vindictive act, such as ordering the snatching of eyewear, undermines the seriousness with which issues of accountability and misconduct should be treated.
Furthermore, police disciplinary structures exist for a reason. If any officer, such as Aku Victor Chiemerie, acted outside the scope of his duties or abused his authority, such matters should be properly investigated through internal mechanisms, not tried and sentenced in the court of public opinion. Making wild and unfounded accusations against senior officers only weakens the credibility of real victims of abuse and politicises the pursuit of justice.
This entire narrative appears to be a continuation of the larger trend of framing every police engagement as a deliberate act of state oppression without thoroughly examining the facts. If this trend continues unchecked, we risk trivialising genuine issues of police brutality and undermining trust in ongoing police reforms.
In conclusion, while every citizen has a right to protest and express grievances, this right must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of truth. The attempt to drag ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi’s name into an incident he clearly did not orchestrate is not just unfair—it is a distraction from the real work of ensuring police accountability and building a safer, more just Nigeria.
Let us not allow politics to eclipse reason, nor let sensationalism replace evidence. We must uphold the principles of fairness and truth, especially when reputations and institutions are at stake.
Danjuma Lamido is the Secretary General of the Integrity Youth Alliance and writes from Kano. danjumalamido2011@gmail.com
