In a dramatic turn of events, Nigerian human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has secured the release of a Glovo delivery driver who was arrested last Friday by the Nigerian Police for allegedly driving too close to the convoy of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun.
The arrest sparked outrage on social media and drew widespread condemnation from human rights activists, with Adeyanju at the forefront of the campaign for the driver’s release. The driver, whose identity has been withheld, was reportedly detained for several hours under what Adeyanju and other critics have described as “unlawful” circumstances.
In a post shared to his social media handle on Monday, Adeyanju, known for his vocal criticism of the Nigerian government and law enforcement, expressed his outrage over the arrest, condemning the action as another example of police overreach and abuse of power.
“I have just successfully secured the release of the Glovo driver who was arrested last week Friday for allegedly driving too close to the convoy of the illegal IGP, Egbetokun,” Adeyanju wrote. “This is another case of the police using their power to intimidate and abuse innocent citizens. The arrest was completely unlawful.”
The incident occurred in Lagos, where the Glovo driver was reportedly caught in traffic and unknowingly found himself behind the convoy of the IGP. According to reports from witnesses, the driver was stopped by the police shortly after the convoy passed, and he was detained on the grounds of violating traffic protocols by being too close to the high-profile motorcade.
Abuse of Power?
In his statement, Adeyanju did not hold back in his criticism of IGP Egbetokun, labeling the police chief as an “illegal IGP.” The term “illegal” here appears to be a reference to ongoing debates surrounding the legitimacy of Egbetokun’s appointment, as some critics of the Nigerian government claim that his appointment did not follow the correct constitutional process.
“The police have turned into a tool of oppression in the hands of powerful figures. What was the crime of this driver? Was he supposed to ignore traffic and allow a convoy to pass by? This is a clear example of the Nigerian police abusing their power,” Adeyanju continued in his post.
Although the Glovo driver was not formally charged with any criminal offense, the circumstances surrounding his detention have raised questions about police conduct and the treatment of ordinary Nigerians by law enforcement officers, especially those in positions of power.
Eyewitnesses to the arrest described the driver as visibly shaken as officers dragged him from his vehicle. “He was just doing his job, trying to make his delivery,” said one witness, who requested anonymity. “The next thing we knew, the police stopped him and began questioning him about his proximity to the convoy. It didn’t make sense.”
The driver’s detention lasted for several hours, with Adeyanju’s intervention becoming crucial in securing his release. According to the human rights lawyer, the police initially refused to let the driver go, citing what they described as “special instructions” due to the presence of the IGP. However, after Adeyanju threatened legal action and openly criticized the arrest on social media, the authorities relented and released the driver without any charges.
A Pattern of Controversial Arrests?
This latest incident is not the first time that the Nigerian police have faced criticism for their treatment of citizens. Over the years, the police have been accused of various forms of abuse, including arbitrary arrests, excessive use of force, and corruption. The public’s growing disillusionment with the police has been amplified by the #EndSARS movement, which highlighted police brutality, particularly among the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a notorious police unit.
Deji Adeyanju, who has been an outspoken advocate for human rights in Nigeria, has frequently called for greater accountability within the Nigerian Police Force. His latest intervention, in the case of the Glovo driver, is part of his broader campaign to challenge the perceived impunity of the police in Nigeria.
Adeyanju’s condemnation of the IGP’s convoy incident also comes on the heels of mounting criticism of the police’s heavy-handed approach to security operations. According to Adeyanju, the police and security forces in the country need to undergo more significant reforms to prevent abuses of power and restore public trust.
“The Nigerian police are supposed to serve and protect the citizens, not harass them for doing their jobs or for being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Adeyanju stated in his post. “We need reforms, and we need to hold these officers accountable for their actions. This is why I will continue to speak up.”
The Repercussions for the Police
While the driver’s release is being hailed as a victory for civil rights activists, the case has put a spotlight on the operational methods of the Nigerian police, particularly in relation to high-profile individuals like the IGP. Critics have pointed out that such incidents highlight the growing disconnect between the Nigerian police force and the average citizen. The fact that the driver was detained simply for being too close to a convoy without causing harm or obstruction is seen by many as an abuse of authority.
“This kind of behavior from the police cannot continue,” said Amaka Ijeoma, a Lagos-based lawyer. “It is not only unlawful but also dangerous. It sends a message that ordinary Nigerians are at the mercy of the whims of powerful individuals in government.”
The Nigerian public’s frustration with police actions is at an all-time high, as calls for police reforms continue to grow. As Adeyanju’s intervention proves, the power of social media and public opinion has become a force to be reckoned with in holding the police accountable for their actions. However, some critics argue that while individual actions such as Adeyanju’s are commendable, systemic change is needed for the country to achieve long-term progress.
In Nigeria, the police have long been accused of human rights abuses, with numerous cases of arbitrary detention, harassment, and brutality. The #EndSARS protests of 2020, which called for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and police reform, brought international attention to the issue. Despite promises of reform, many Nigerians continue to face mistreatment at the hands of law enforcement. Deji Adeyanju has been a vocal advocate for human rights and justice, frequently challenging the Nigerian government and police on issues of unlawful detentions and abuses of power.
